Diksha Dagar

The deaf left-hander became the second Indian winner on the Ladies European Tour when she won the 2019 South African Women's Open at just 18 years old. She added a second individual title at the 2023 Czech Ladies Open after she had also won a team trophy at the 2021 Aramco Team Series in London.

Gaganjeet Bhullar

Gaganjeet Bhullar holds the record for the most Asian Tour titles by an Indian golfer with 11 victories. He secured his record-breaking title at the BNI Indonesian Masters in November 2023, which also placed him behind only Thailand's Thaworn Wiratchant (18 wins) and Thongchai Jaidee (13 wins) for total victories.

Anirban Lahiri

In his first Major appearance, in The Open of 2012, he carded a hole-in-one at Royal Lytham and St Annes’ 9th hole en route to his tied 31st finish. At the PGA Championship of 2015, he achieved the highest finish by an Indian in a Major, when he ended tied for 5th. That year he also became the first Indian picked for the Presidents Cup.

Shubhankar Sharma

Aged just 21, he won the European Tour/Asian Tour/Sunshine Tour tri-sanctioned Joburg Open in 2017. Two months later, in February 2018, his final round 62 secured him the Maybank Championship, his second and, to date, final DP World Tour win.

Later that year he became the youngest Indian to win the Asian Tour Order of Merit, at age 22. His tied finish at Royal Liverpool in 2023 marked the best-ever finish by an Indian golfer at The Open Championship.

Mukesh Kumar

He has won the Order of Merit for the Indian Tour six times. No-one else has won it more than three times. He won the PGA Tour of India Order of Merit for three consecutive seasons from the 2000/01 season, and then won back-to-back titles from 2004 to 2006.

He then won its successor, the Professional Golf Tour of India, in 2007/08. In December 2016, aged 51, Kumar won his first and only Asian Tour event, the Panasonic Open India, and his last Professional Golf Tour of India win was as a 53-year-old.

S.S.P. Chawrasia

Shiv Shankar Prasad Chawrasia has excelled on home turf. All four of his European Tour wins were co-sanctioned events with the Asian Tour, and all were won in India. He gets maximum value from his wins, as his six victories on the Asian Tour also include another co-sanctioned event, this time with the Professional Golf Tour of India.

He won the Indian Open in 2016 and 2017, having previously had four runner-up finishes in his national open, including two losing play-offs.

Jyoti Randhawa

He holds the record for the most Indian Open titles by an Indian golfer, with three. When he won the Asian Tour’s Order of Merit in 2002, he was the first Indian to do so. He has eight wins on the Asian Tour. He also played on the European Tour, with his best results on it being his five runner-up finishes.

Arjun Atwal

When he won the Wyndham Championship in 2010, he became the first and, to date, only Indian-born winner on the PGA Tour. He had previously lost a five-man playoff, won by Phil Mickelson, for the BellSouth Classic in 2005.

Between 1999 and 2014, he also had three victories on the European Tour and eight on the Asian Tour. He topped the Asian Tour’s Order of Merit in 2003.

Aditi Ashok

In winning the Hero Women’s Indian Open in 2016, she became the first Indian winner on the Ladies European Tour. She has won a further four times on it.

She represented India at the 2020 Olympics and was in the silver medal position after three rounds, but slipped down to fourth at the end of the four-round tournament, two shots behind gold medalist Nelly Korda.

She is the only Indian woman to break into the top 50 of the Rolex Women's World Golf Rankings, reaching a peak of 40th position in February 2024.

Jeev Milkha Singh

He pioneered Indian golf internationally. He was the first Indian to break into the top 100, and then the top 50 of the Official World Golf Ranking, and in March 2009 went to world number 28, the highest ranking achieved by an Indian.

In 1997, he finished seventh at the European Tour Qualifying School, thereby becoming the first Indian to join the European Tour. His stellar season was in 2006 when he won twice on the European Tour, at the Volvo China Open and the Volvo Masters. He finished 16th on the European Tour’s Order of Merit and won the Asian Tour’s Order of Merit.

The following year, he became the first Indian to play in The Masters, and in 2008 he became the first to be placed in the top 10 at a Major, with his tied 9th finish at the PGA Championship at Oakland Hills.

That season, he won his second Asian Tour Order of Merit and, in earning $1.45 million, was the first player to win more a million dollars in single season on the Asian Tour. He also ended that season 12th on the European Tour’s Order of Merit.

The DP World Tour has been the star of the professional golf world for a couple of months now, ever since the Tour Championship bought a close to the traditional PGA Tour season, but this is the week where things really heat up.

A strong field descends on Yas Links for the Abu Dhabi Championship, the first of two season-ending playoff events, with the opportunity to reach the DP World Tour Championship.

Plenty of big names are battling it out for PGA Tour cards and many will believe they have a chance of lifting the trophy at the Earth Course next week, but who is our resident betting expert backing for success in Abu Dhabi? Let's find out...

Abu Dhabi Championship 2026 Betting Tips

Bazza's Best Bets

Best Bet: Eugenio Chacarra To Win @ BetMGM

Eugenio Chacarra is taking the season-long Race To Dubai by the horns and showing no signs of letting go.

He currently sits in first place, ahead of Rory McIlroy and Patrick Reed, and it's not hard to see why when you look at his recent form.

The Spaniard has won three DP World Tour titles since June of this year, including one in India just two starts ago, making him one of the hottest golfers on the planet right now.

He has also gone close to adding more trophies to the cabinet, finishing runner-up in Madrid and third in Paris - both of which also came in his last four starts.

Statistically, he fits the bill at Yas Links. Chacarra ranks 21st for driving accuracy, 13th for greens in regulation and 6th for par-5 scoring in 2026 - which tees him up perfectly to go well at the Abu Dhabi Championship.

Sometimes the most obvious choice is the right choice, so I can't look past the incredible form and confidence this player has moving into the business end of the season.

Best Value Bet: Jacob Skov Olesen @ BetMGM

Jacob Skov Olesen is another player who is arriving to the finish line at a sprint.

In his last 10 DP World Tour starts, Jacob Skov Olesen has finished runner-up at the British Masters, fourth at the Open De Espana and 6th at the Corales Puntacana.

Alongside those highlights, he has finished inside the top-11 on six out of those 10 starts, exemplifying the quality and consistency that he demonstrates.

I particularly like the performance at the Corales Puntacana as there is some crossover between the two venues from a correlation perspective, which immediately put another big tick in his box.

Olesen has played this event once before, finishing in a tie for 23rd - but I can see him improving on that based on his recent efforts.

Incredibly, he is yet to win on the DP World Tour in his career... but there's no time like the present.

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Golf Monthly Betting Panel Tipping Record

In 2026, the betting panel have been taking part in the Golf Monthly Tipster Challenge.

At present, Baz leads the way thanks to four winning tips, four runner-ups, four third-place finishes and a total of 18 top-5s.

Elliott chases in second, with two wins, three runner-up picks and a series of top-10 finishes, while Jonny currently occupies the bronze medal position.

Matt has some work to do in order to catch the pack, but is having a great end to the season and is arguably the most in-form tipster over the past four tournaments.

All still to play for, as the winner receives a round of golf at a top-100 course of their choice!

Before, I share the full breakdown of points - a quick recap of the format.

• Each player picks two golfers per week, one favorite (any odds) and one outsider (must be 40/1 or +4000+)
• Points are awarded based on the selection's finishing position. So, if McIlroy finishes second, the tipster gets two points. If he finishes 45th, he gets 45 points.
• The tipster with the lowest number of points at the end of the DP World Tour season 2026 is the winner.
• Tipsters cannot pick the same golfer more than three times in the season and picks must be submitted before the first ball is hit (penalty for late picks).

Andrew Novak has claimed his second PGA Tour title in style, beating Steven Fisk and Kristoffer Ventura by five shots at the VidantaWorld Mexico Open.

The American’s previous title on the circuit came over a year ago alongside Ben Griffin at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans. However, after 54 holes, there appeared to be little doubt he would add to the list at Vidanta Vallarta.

Heading into the final round, Novak was in complete command of proceedings, leading 2024 Farmers Insurance Open champion Matthieu Pavon by six shots.

Doug Ghim, who was in the final group with Novak and Pavon on Sunday, started the day seven shots behind the leader.

Novak’s dominance was largely thanks to birdie- and eagle-laden rounds of 61 and 62 on Friday and Saturday, but, surely knowing there was no need to take risks, he began far more cautiously on Sunday.

The 31-year-old made par on the first seven holes before he converted his first birdie of the day at the eighth.

For Novak’s two closest challengers, a fast start was imperative. Ghim was up to the task, going four-under-par on the front nine to reduce Novak’s lead to four at the turn.

It wasn’t as productive a start for Pavon, who could only make one birdie on the front nine to ensure he hadn’t made inroads into Novak’s lead as the group headed to the 10th.

Further on, Fisk moved level with Ghim at 20-under-par thanks to a blistering start that included eight birdies in his first 13 holes.

All three of the final group dropped their first shots of the day with bogeys at the 10th, leaving Novak slipping to 23-under, three clear of Fisk in solo second.

At that point, Ghim was on 19-under alongside Ventura in T3, while Pavon fell to T6 on 17-under.

Ventura also got within three of Novak with his eighth birdie of the day at the 13th, and he and Fisk were joined there by Ghim after he birdied the 12th.

Novak probably sensed that he could benefit from a little more breathing space, and it came when he also converted his birdie putt at the 12th to lead by four with six to play.

After Ghim got within three again at the 13th, Novak had a long putt for eagle at the same hole, only to see it drift left. However, he converted the birdie putt to restore his lead of four.

That became six at the 14th when Novak holed a beautifully weighted long birdie putt before Ghim bogeyed the same hole, and at that stage, the title appeared all but assured.

After consecutive pars at the 15th and 16th, Novak made his second bogey of the day at the par-3 17th to drop to 25-under-par.

However, it barely mattered, with a lead of five over Fisk and Ventura, who had earlier completed rounds of 63, and Ghim as he headed to the 18th. As expected, there were no slip-ups.

After Pavon, who placed T11, finished his round with a par, Ghim fell to T6 with a double-bogey.

That left the stage clear for Novak to tap in for his par and confirm a five-shot win.

Following his win, Novak reflected on a satisfying week in what has been largely a season of struggle.

He said: "Obviously I loved the Zurich and everything about that tournament, that's so fun, but it is nice to have one by myself, too.

"This is one I've been working for for a while. Obviously not a great season for how I wanted it to go, but this is a nice way to kind of finish."

Andrew Novak secured his maiden PGA Tour title at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans in 2025, with the American and his playing partner, Ben Griffin, enjoying a one stroke victory.

During his time as a professional, Novak has used a number of brands and, in his set-up, you'll find clubs from Ping, TaylorMade, Srixon, Cleveland and TP Mills, with his full what's in the bag listed below.

Using a Ping G440 LST driver, it is set at 9° and features a Project X HZRDUS Smoke Green RDX 75 TX shaft.

From there, Novak is one of many professionals to use a TaylorMade Qi4D 3-wood and a Ping G440 Max 5-wood.

His 3-wood is set at 15°, while his 5-wood is set at 19°. The former has a Project X Titan Black 80 TX shaft, while the latter possesses a Project X HZRDUS Smoke Green 85 TX.

Moving to the irons, Novak has a full Srixon set-up, with a ZXi5 4-iron being paired with a ZXi7 5-iron to pitching wedge.

Ranked among the best irons money can buy, this is a configuration many Srixon staffers use, due to the fact that the ZXi5 is more forgiving than the ZXi7.

True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue X100 shafts feature in his irons, while the S400 is present in the wedges, where Novak uses the Cleveland RTZ 2.

Configuration-wise, his lofts are 50°, 54° and 60°, which gives Novak a consistent gapping.

The final club in the bag, and arguably the most interesting, is Novak's putter, which is a TP Mills Prototype.

A blade-style design, the company has been used by the likes of Jordan Spieth in the past, with Novak's flatstick similar in that it's a blade putter with minimal looks.

Rounding out his what's in the bag is the golf ball, which is the Srixon Z-Star XV, one of the best premium models on the market.

Andrew Novak WITB: Full Specs

The PGA Tour's FedExCup Fall has passed the halfway mark and the picture is becoming much clearer in terms of who is going to keep their card and who will miss out.

Following wins for Jacob Bridgeman, Michael Brennan and two for Austin Smotherman, the latest chance for players to boost their hopes of retaining status arrived this week as Mexico hosts the first of two consecutive tournaments.

The last time the Mexico Open was contested, Brian Campbell defeated Aldrich Potgieter in a playoff. But that was a regular-season event in February 2025 with a $7 million prize fund.

Fast forward to October 2026 and this tournament is now a FedExCup Fall event with a slightly smaller prize purse of $6 million.

In the end, there was little doubt over who would triumph during the final round, with Andrew Novak cruising to victory by five shots.

Thanks to that, he claims prize money of $1,080,000, while he also locked up his status for the opening season of the PGA Tour's new-look Championship Series in 2028.

Two players, Steven Fisk and Kristoffer Ventura, finished tied for second, and for that achievement, they claim prize money of $534,000.

Below is the prize money payout for every player who made the cut at the 2026 VidantaWorld Mexico Open.

Mexico Open Prize Money Breakdown

The battle to secure DP World Tour cards for the 2026 season is well underway.

A week ago, at the Genesis Championship, several players earned their cards via the season-long Race to Dubai rankings.

Then, at the HotelPlanner Tour Grand Final, more cards were claimed, with the top 15 in the Race to Mallorca rankings all securing their places on the circuit for 2027.

There are more cards on the line at DP World Tour Q-School, too, although we will need to wait until next week to see who earns their card via that route.

The Final Stage will be held between November 6th and November 11th at Infinitum Golf in Spain, where the top 15 players and ties after six grueling rounds will claim spots on the DP World Tour for the 2027 season.

Players have been competing across four venues in Spain during this week’s Second Stage, with a number of notable names - including some LIV golfers - among them.

In total, 80 players have booked their places in the Final Stage.

One of the venues was Desert Springs Golf Club in Almería, where 20 places in the Final Stage of Q-School were up for grabs.

Michael La Sasso, who won LIV Golf Indianapolis, was in the 80-player field - although he won’t be going any further after finishing at five-under par and tied for 65th.

LIV Golf wildcard Yosuke Asaji got closer, but he suffered the same fate, exiting Q-School after placing T26th at 12-under-par.

Three-time Asian Development Tour winner Ahmad Baig, of Pakistan, finished top of the leaderboard at Desert Springs, with others safely into the Final Stage including runners-up Jack Yule and former LIV Golfer Kieran Vincent.

The tournament at Golf Las Pinaillas in Albacete offered 19 places in the Final Stage, with a six-man playoff required to settle the final four spots.

Spaniard Albert Boneta finished top of the leaderboard at 19-under, so the playoff was of no concern to him, but four players ended on 12-under after four rounds.

In the end, Sweden's Bjorn Akesson and the former LIV player Luis Masaveu were the two to miss out via extra holes while Yuvraj Sandhu, Jack Buchanan, Alexandre Vandermoten and David Lundgren all made it through.

One notable player in the field was Michael Stewart of Scotland, who made headlines by almost doubling his 15-year career earnings with a T4 at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship in just his fifth DP World Tour start.

However, he could only finish T46th in Spain to miss out on the Final Stage.

Former LIV Golfer and two-time DP World Tour winner Justin Harding was another to fall short, placing T40th at seven-under-par.

Ex-Florida Gators star Fred Biondi, who made the tough decision to miss the 2023 US Open and the 2024 Masters to turn pro, also failed to make it the Final Stage after he finished T36th.

At Isla Canela Links in Huelva, Dutch pro Ji Jerry led the way as 20 players progressed.

Other notable names to qualify for the Final Stage include DP World Tour winner Adri Arnaus and LIV Golf reserve Luis Carrera.

Sam Horsfield, who had been a long-time teammate of Lee Westwood and Ian Poulter on LIV Golf’s Majesticks GC, failed to reach the Final Stage after placing T52nd.

The fourth Second Stage qualifier came from Fontanals Golf Club in Girona.

There, Australian pro Anthony Quayle finished on 18 under to win by two shots.

Another to book his place in the Final Stage was 2025 Latin American Amateur champion Mateo Pulcini, who finished T4th. The younger brother of PGA Tour pro Max Greyserman, Dean, placed T12th to reach the Final Stage, too.

Two-time DP World Tour winner Shubhankar Sharma was one of the notable names to miss out, finishing T54th.

There was also a playoff at Fontanals, but only between the two players on seven-under. In the end, it was American Evan Knight who bested England's Giles Evans to snatch the last of 21 places at Final Stage.

Scotland's Marc Warren was the biggest mover at the HotelPlanner Tour Grand Final as 15 players earned DP World Tour cards for 2027.

The four-time DP World Tour winner entered the week 20th in the Road to Mallorca rankings but wrapped up a share of fifth at Club de Golf Alcanada to fly up seven places in the season-long leaderboard.

The Scot, who has also won the World Cup of Golf alongside Colin Montgomerie, unequivocally took advantage of the double points on offer for the final event via three consecutive rounds of 68 and a closing 69.

Warren's 15-under total was seven shots back of France's Julien Sale, who clinched the Grand Final title by four shots to put a bow on his promotion to the DP World Tour.

The Frenchman posted the lowest final round, a seven-under 65, largely thanks to some imperious putting in tricky conditions but ultimately finished second on the Road to Mallorca behind Denmark's Hamish Brown.

Nervously awaiting an MJ Daffue birdie putt on the last, Brown lifted the season-long prize to emphatically end a standout campaign which has included one win and three runner-up finishes.

Ultimately, both Brown and Sale picked up the prize they really wanted which was full playing rights on the DP World Tour in 2027.

Daffue managed likewise thanks to a third-place finish in Spain which left him fifth in the season-long rankings.

The Netherlands' Lars Van Der Vight sealed third in the Road to Mallorca after ending T5th in Spain while Sweden's Christofer Blomstrand was T8th this week to lock up fourth for the year.

Spain's Pablo Ereño and Sweden's Adam Wallin sandwiched returning DP World Tour pro Tapio Pulkkanen in the final season standings while young talents Liam Nolan of Ireland and John Gough of England completed the RTM top-10.

Denmark's Sebastian Friedrichsen and England's Will Enefer shared 22nd in Spain to claim their DP World Tour cards for next term, just ahead of Warren.

The final two cards went the way of another Englishman, Andrew Wilson, who was also T22nd at the Grand Final and France's Maxence Giboudot.

The Frenchman did not enjoy the week he would have wanted, ending two-under and sitting in a share of 39th out of the 45-man field.

As a result, he slipped two places in the Road to Mallorca and could easily have missed out on promotion to England's Matthew Southgate.

The former DP World Tour pro was 15th coming into the Grand Final but failed to generate the requisite momentum and ended on eight-under in a share of 26th, leaving him just under 16 points short and agonizingly on the outside looking in once the music stopped.

It is not all bad news for Southgate and co., however, because those who finished 16th to 20th in the final Road to Mallorca rankings will earn DP World Tour category 19 status next year, offering them a solid number of opportunities on the top tour - though a lot of those starts won't be known until much closer to the time.

Below is confirmation of the 15 players to have earned full DP World Tour status in 2027, ordered according to the final Road to Mallorca standings.

PROS TO EARN DP WORLD TOUR CARDS

• Hamish Brown
• Julien Sale
• Lars Van Der Vight
• Christofer Blomstrand
• MJ Daffue
• Pablo Ereño
• Tapio Pulkkanen
• Adam Wallin
• Liam Nolan
• John Gough
• Sebastian Friedrichsen
• Will Enefer
• Marc Warren
• Andrew Wilson
• Maxence Giboudot

A historic British golf club suffered its second fire in just under a century on Saturday night.

The serious incident was reported at Conwy Golf Club in North Wales at around 10pm on Saturday with North Wales Fire and Rescue Service rushing to the scene to help put out the blaze.

Local reports say large flames and thick smoke were seen emerging from the roof of the clubhouse at the time, and photos taken on Sunday morning appear to show the centre of the clubhouse's roof having collapsed in places.

At this stage, no details have been shared about how the fire may have started but no one is believed to have been trapped or injured. Police remain at the scene and the golf club remains closed.

Conwy Golf Club itself is yet to comment after the fire, but Wales Golf released a statement on Sunday which read: "We are deeply saddened to hear of the fire at Conwy Golf Club on 31 October 2026.

"Thankfully, and most importantly, we understand that no one was hurt.

"Our thoughts are with everyone at Conwy Golf Club, including its members, staff and wider community, as they come to terms with this devastating incident.

"Conwy is a prestigious club with a proud history and an important place in Welsh golf. We will support the club as it begins the difficult journey towards recovery and rebuilding.

"The Welsh golfing community stands together, and we will do all we can to support Conwy Golf Club during this challenging time."

Remarkably, Conwy GC has been the victim of a similar incident before. According to the club's website, a fire in the summer of 1933 "completely gutted the building and many old records, photographs and trophies were lost."

Since then, two new clubhouse buildings have been added with part of the original now acting as bag storage and locker rooms. The current clubhouse was officially opened on June 1, 1996.

Also thought to be the site of the first golf course in Wales, Conwy GC has hosted a long list of prestigious events throughout its 136-year existence to date.

Perhaps most notably, the links layout - designed by Jack Morris, the nephew of Old Tom Morris - welcomed the Curtis Cup in 2021 as Team USA defeated Team GB & I 12.5 - 7.5.

Otherwise, it has staged the Girls Amateur Championship in 2025, the 2009 European Men’s Amateur Team Championship and the Martini International in 1970 - an event which would temporarily go on to become a designated European Tour competition.

Crushers GC captain Bryson DeChambeau has seemingly committed his future to a new-look LIV Golf League, saying the latest iteration of the team-based tour "is going to be done right" and "hopefully exists forever."

Speaking to Raj Shamani on the Figuring Out podcast, DeChambeau expressed his adamant belief that LIV's business model "makes a lot of sense" and the product can go on to be a real success story in the golf world.

The two-time Major champion admitted that while there was a degree of mismanagement by those in control of LIV's original version, there were also plenty of positives to take forward into what the league is calling 'LIV 2.0.'

DeChambeau said: “The point of it is that the team golf stuff, I was very excited about. I really care, and I still do care deeply about the team golf stuff.

"And the top company just wasn't really managed that effectively. And I know that now… I didn't know that during the time.

"Our teams were doing very well. Like our teams, we generated almost $29 million last year in revenue. We had $21 million in cost just from payment of players and expenses and travel and everything. So we made $8 million EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization) last year.

"And the teams were doing well, but then all the player payments and everything got pushed down to the teams when they went bankrupt because the top company wasn't being run effectively.

“Which, no fault to each other, it's just we thought that there was a lot more capital that was going to be at play with the guys that were funding it. Yeah. And it didn't work out…”

LIV's issues began earlier this year when the circuit's original backer, the Saudi PIF, announced it was withdrawing funding after this season.

Two events were lost due to financial problems and the campaign ended earlier than expected in August.

Subsequently, LIV filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy before a deal was completed with BC Partners to breath new hope into the team-based tour.

Nevertheless, as plans for a fresh start continued, more than a dozen big names - including Jon Rahm, Sergio Garcia and Tyrrell Hatton - announced they were quitting LIV Golf and heading elsewhere prior to 2027.

It is widely expected that Joaquin Niemann may well follow them back to the DP World Tour next season as well.

It might not be all bad for those who wish to see the breakaway tour survive, though, with 15-20 pros "tentatively committed" to LIV 2.0.

The original deadline for players to sign up was Sunday, October 24, but that was pushed back to Friday, October 30.

Interestingly, DeChambeau's interview was published around 24 hours after the most recent deadline had passed.

Continuing in his staunch defence of LIV Golf and what it can do for the professional game, DeChambeau said: "The business model makes a lot of sense. And we're actually working through that right now for this new model where it will make full financial sense.

"It's no funny business, no nothing. It's going to be done right. And this is going to be a league, hopefully, that exists forever.

"It's not combative. We're not trying to compete against the [PGA Tour]. We want to be accretive. We want to bring value to anywhere and everywhere in the golf market across the world."

The deal on offer to those who sign up to LIV 2.0 involves players holding an equity share in the league as opposed to the extraordinary salaries and bonuses which were thrown around when it first launched in 2022.

And this, according to DeChambeau, is the trade-off he is willing to make in order to ensure greater control over how LIV operates moving forward.

DeChambeau said: "That whole LIV situation was great. We had to get upfront payment because we had no real governance, you know.

"If we knew, like, they were going to control how this thing was run, like we had to get paid, you know. And so we did.

"And then this time around, it's more the opposite. We're not really getting paid, but we do have the governance, you know, control."

The HotelPlanner Tour's Grand Final has reached its final day and the futures of all 45 players will be decided once and for all after just 18 more holes.

Coming into the closing event, it was possible for every single player in the field to achieve their goal of promotion to the DP World Tour - even if it meant managing a win.

Yet, through three rounds, some have almost certainly missed their chance this time around and will need to go to Q-School or take another crack at it next year.

But regardless of whether a player lands inside the top-15 of the Road to Mallorca rankings after today's final round or not, they will collect guaranteed prize money.

There's a minimum of 3,000 euros on offer (circa $3,339) at Club de Golf Alcanada from the overall prize purse of 500,000 euros - the largest total of the season.

As for the winner, not only will they claim a DP World Tour card next season, but they will also clinch a payout of 85,000 euros (almost $95,000).

The runner-up this week will bank 54,000 euros ($60,000) while each of the top-15 players on the leaderboard in Spain should take away at least $10,000.

Below is the maximum payout for each position at the 2026 HotelPlanner Tour Grand Final before ties are taken into account.

HotelPlanner Tour Grand Final Prize Money Breakdown

The LPGA Tour season is nearing its end with only three more events on the schedule after today's final round at the Maybank Championship.

As well as the battle to come out on top at Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club, there's also the season-long race to make the CME Group Tour Championship later this month, with a win at this relatively new event going a long way to making that happen.

And while there's plenty of money on offer back in the US at the closing events, this week's penultimate tournament on the final Asian Swing could be particularly lucrative, too.

For the fourth time in a row (this tournament began in 2023), there is a $3 million tournament purse on the line in Malaysia with an impressive $450,000 going the way of the champion.

Each of the top six has a chance to walk away with more than $100,000 as well while simply making the cut may well be good for in excess of $6,000.

Below is the maximum prize money payout for each position at the 2026 Maybank Championship based on 65 players making the cut and before ties are taken into account.

Maybank Championship Prize Money Breakdown

Kihei Akina is enjoying a fine amateur career, with the American claiming numerous prestigious titles and even strong performances on the PGA Tour.

Here are 13 things to know about the young star.

Kihei Akina Facts

1. Kihei Akina was born in Kahuku, Hawaii.

2. Attending Lone Peak High School, Akina received 50 program offers before joining Brigham Young University.

3. Akina comes from a sporting family. His father, Alan, played basketball at BYU-Hawaii, his sister Kiani played rugby at Harvard, while his brothers Keanu (golf) and Kawika (basketball) also played at their respective universities.

4. His hobbies include basketball, fishing and traveling.

5. Claiming multiple junior titles, one standout came in 2025, when Akina won the Harry H. Miller Utah Open. In the process, he became the youngest Utah Open winner since 1934.

6. Joining Brigham Young University in 2025, Akina produced a stunning Freshman Year, earning multiple accolades.

7. Being a Fred Haskins Award Finalist, as well as a Big 12 Freshman of the Year and Phil Mickelson Outstanding Freshman Award winner, Akina secured a spot on the 2026 US Walker Cup team, as well as a place in the US Arnold Palmer Cup side.

8. In both 2024 and 2025, Akina made appearances at the PGA Tour's Bank of Utah Championship and Korn Ferry Tour's Utah Championship. He made the weekend at the former in 2024, but missed the cut in the other three events.

9. As of writing, he has two collegiate wins - the 2026 R.E. Lamkin Invitational and the Bridgestone Collegiate Invitational.

10. At the Walker Cup, Akina held a record of one win, one loss and one tie, as Team GB&I defeated the American side in a thriller.

11. In October 2026, Akina signed with Ping's ambassador roster. He also has an apparel deal with Nike.

12. A few months prior to signing with the brands, Akina finished T16th at the Puerto Rico Open on the PGA Tour.

13. Earning further starts on the circuit that year, the American earned his first top 10 on the PGA Tour at the Bank of Utah Championship, finishing solo ninth. At the halfway stage of the VidantaWorld Mexico Open, he is sitting tied second.

The HotelPlanner Tour's Grand Final provides players with a chance of earning a card for the DP World Tour and, although it can be one of the most beneficial events in golf, it is also one of the most stressful.

Out of the 45 players present in the field for the tournament in 2026, just 15 will earn DP World Tour cards and, among those playing in Mallorca, it's likely none will have a more unique equipment set-up than Kristian Krogh Johannessen.

A former HotelPlanner Tour winner, claiming the Italian Open Challenge in 2022, the Norwegian is looking to regain his DP World Tour status after losing it at the end of 2024.

Heading to Club de Golf Alcanada this week, Johannessen made headlines when his bag was posted to Inside Tour Golf's social media pages, with the 31-year-old opting for two drivers in his set-up.

His main driver is a Ping G440 LST, while his other driver, which plays as a mini driver option, is a Ping G400.

You may wonder how the two differ, despite the fact that they both possess a driver head? Well, it comes down to the shaft length and, despite the G400 having a similar loft to the G440 LST, the shorter shaft means it will help with shot dispersion, albeit with less distance.

Speaking about why he has two drivers in the bag, Johannessen stated to the DP World Tour: "I had been playing the Ping mini driver for half the season, and I was struggling to get it going far enough when I hit it off the ground.

"With the G400, though, I found it easier to hit from the ground. It goes further off the ground, but short enough than my full driver. I then play it with a shorter shaft and a bit more loft. It's basically my own version of a mini driver."

It may be a rather strange set-up, but Johannessen isn't the only player to use two drivers in tournament play.

Back in 2025, Christo Lamprecht shared his what's in the bag for the Korn Ferry Tour's UNC Health Championship, which possessed two drivers and five wedges.

Regarded as one of the longest hitters in golf, the tall South African explained: "I obviously have the driver and, because I have five wedges, I have to give some club up.

"I did have a driver and 3-iron in the bag for the year-and-a-half, until now. I've now got a semi-mini-driver. It's 14-degree loft, shorter shaft and it goes a really good number out here.

"From there, we weakened the 3-iron a little bit and I now don't have a 4-iron in the bag."

Back with Johannessen, the 31-year-old needs a big week in Mallorca to earn his DP World Tour playing rights for 2027.

Currently, he is 38th in the Road to Mallorca Rankings and, with the former Olympian sat outside the top 30 midway through the third round of the event, his position isn't likely to change unless he finds some birdies.

Andrew Novak tied the course record at the VidantaWorld Mexico Open on Friday, with the American producing a 10-under-par 61 to lead by three.

Sitting at 14-under, Novak leads five players in second, which includes Ryder Cup player Ben Griffin and amateur star Kihei Akina. In fact, there are 20 players within five strokes of the PGA Tour winner.

Although a number of big names made the weekend in Mexico, some notable players failed to earn their place via the four-under-par cutline.

Among those included Major winners and former Ryder Cup players, with low scoring yielding some eye-catching numbers at Vidanta Vallarta.

Check out the big names who missed the cut at the Mexico Open below, as well as the third round tee times.

Tony Finau (-3)

A former event winner, Finau's struggles continue as the American missed a third cut in four starts.

Producing just one top 10 in 2026, he is currently sat 107th in the FedExCup Fall standings and, although he has his PGA Tour card through 2027, will want to see a rise in form following a poor season.

Wyndham Clark (E)

Firing rounds of 69 and 73, Clark missed the cut by four in Mexico, with the US Open champion failing to make his first weekend since the Rocket Classic in July.

Coming into the week, the 32-year-old had his younger brother, Brendan, on the bag, instead of his usual looper David Pelekoudas. Unfortunately, the duo could only manage a level-par tournament score.

Rasmus Hojgaard (E)

Hojgaard's poor run of form continued this week, as the former Ryder Cup player finished level-par and well back of the cutline.

Missing his third straight weekend on the PGA Tour, Hojgaard is currently sat 115th in the FedExCup Fall standings and needs a strong few upcoming weeks to keep his PGA Tour playing privileges for 2027.

Aldrich Potgieter (+6)

Last year, Potgieter finished runner-up, with the South African losing out in a playoff to Ben Campbell.

Potgieter was looking to go one better this year but, following rounds of 75 and 73, the 22-year-old missed the cut, his eighth in 11 starts.

Billy Horschel (WD)

Horschel withdrew during the first round of his Mexico Open campaign due to illness, with the American sat at four-over-par through six holes on Thursday.

The 39-year-old had been enjoying a nice run of results lately, earning a T13th and T21st at the Bank of Utah Championship and Baycurrent Classic; however, he won't be present for the weekend in Mexico.

VidantaWorld Mexico Open Tee Times 2026: Round Three

All times EST

*denotes 10th tee start

• 9.50am: Max McGreevy, Rafael Campos, Karl Vilips
• 9.50am*: Adam Hadwin, Mac Meissner, Marcelo Rozo
• 10.01am: Kristoffer Ventura, Justin Lower, Corey Conners
• 10.01am*: Haotong Li, Jesper Svensson, Denny McCarthy
• 10.12am: Tom Kim, Brian Campbell, Harry Hall
• 10.12am*: Austin Eckroat, Erik van Rooyen, Christiaan Bezuidenhout
• 10.23am: Trace Crowe, Ben Silverman, Chandler Phillips
• 10.23am*: Tyler Duncan, AJ Ewart, Ben James
• 10.34am: Keita Nakajima, Jeremy Paul, Pierceson Coody
• 10.34am*: Vince Whaley, Patrick Fishburn, Jordan Smith
• 10.45am: Steven Fisk, Brice Garnett, Zecheng Dou
• 10.45am*: Emiliano Grillo, Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen, Max Homa
• 10.56am: Blades Brown, Hayden Springer, Jeffrey Kang
• 10.56am*: Joel Dahmen, Chad Ramey, Cameron Tankersley
• 11.07am: Garrick Higgo, Alvaro Ortiz, Luke Clanton
• 11.07am*: John Daly II, Dylan Wu, David Skinns
• 11.18am: Marco Penge, Jackson Suber, Doug Ghim
• 11.18am*: Neal Shipley, Garrett Endicott, Beau Hossler
• 11.29am: Mackenzie Hughes, Max Greyserman, Gordon Sargent
• 11.29am*: Cam Davis, Sudarshan Yellamaraju, Nick Hardy
• 11.40am: Adrien Dumont de Chassart, Ben Griffin, Kensei Hirata
• 11.40am*: Chandler Blanchet, Paul Peterson
• 11.51am: Andrew Novak, Matthieu Pavon, Kihei Akina (a)

The Rules of Golf continue to throw up some weird situations and, at the PGA Tour's VidantaWorld Mexico Open, that's exactly what happened.

Tom Kim, who recently received the applause of many for earning gold at the Asian Games, was one of the individuals involved, as was the event's defending champion, Brian Campbell.

Playing the 18th hole, both men found the same greenside bunker at the par 4, with their golf balls coming to rest in the sand.

Walking up to the bunker, both splashed out before it was revealed that the pair had played the wrong ball, with Kim playing Campbell's and Campbell playing Kim's.

Because of the rules infringement, it meant they were each handed a two-shot penalty, resulting in the duo ending their rounds on a sour note, having to sign for a double bogey six instead of a par four.

Thankfully, both made the cut comfortably in Vidanta Vallarta, but it did mean their tournament scores went from nine-under to seven-under, which puts them in a share of T26th and seven back of leader, Andrew Novak, who carded a 10-under 71 on Friday.

Under Rule 6.3c (1): "In stroke play, the player gets the general penalty (two penalty strokes) and must correct the mistake by continuing play with the original ball by playing it as it lies or taking relief under the rules.

"The stroke made with the wrong ball and any more strokes before the mistake is corrected (including strokes made and any additional penalty strokes solely from playing that ball) do not count.

"If the player does not correct the mistake before making a stroke to begin another hole or, for the final hole of the round, before returning their scorecard, the player is disqualified."

In terms of the tournament itself, Novak leads at 14-under, while Ryder Cup player, Ben Griffin, and amateur star, Kihei Akina, are part of a five-way share of second at 11-under.

Going into the weekend, the top 20 are separated by just five strokes.

Brooks Koepka made headlines with his recent comments about some of the more murky practices on the PGA Tour, which begs the question of whether it's become a major problem in the game.

The two main subjects brought up by the five-time Major champion were players improving their lies in the rough and the art of trenching on the greens - excessively tapping down spike marks in front of their ball to create a channel for their putts to run along.

Now, Koepka, speaking to Dan Rapaport, did not name names for either of these so it's purely anecdotal evidence but it's not the first time these issues have been raised.

Are these serious problems for the PGA Tour though? Let's take a look...

Are players getting away with improving lies in the rough?

What Brooks Koepka said: “I've noticed a lot of guys do it, and guys get away with it more because you're not on top of them.

“So I might be over there hitting my shot, but you're over here in the left rough and guys definitely do it, but it's just how are you going to prove it?”

Is it a problem?

We've had some high profile examples of this in 2026, with Bryson DeChambeau of course being given a two-shot penalty for improving his lie at Royal Birkdale during the Open Championship.

Wyndham Clark also caused a bit of a stir during his US Open success at Shinnecock Hills with fans online pointing to excess practice swings and the position of his club and his feet around the back of the ball.

USGA officials took no action on Clark though but there's copious other examples of players supposedly improving lies by trampling on grass near and pressing their clubface directly behind their balls.

Koepka cites one example, saying: “There's one I saw this year that was really bad. I'm not going to name the player. It was a chip. I saw it. It was really bad. He went for the backswing and you could see the whole ball.

“What am I going to do? I can't prove it, and like at the same time, I understand guys have got to put the club down here, but if you keep putting the club down of course...”

Is there a solution?

As was pointed out with DeChambeau, there is very much a two-tiered rule to this, as high-profile players in high-profile events get much more scrutiny both on the course in person and via video replays.

So this one is very much down to the honor system and the integrity of those playing the game - it's up to the pros to uphold the standards and honesty golf has been built upon to not go too far in this.

In the modern world though sports stars will often push the rules as far as they can to gain an advantage, and golf's not totally immune to this search for an edge with so much money now on the line.

So maybe every now and again in a big event an example has to be made, as you can guarantee the field at the Open were far more careful with their footsteps around Brikdale after the DeChambeau saga.

But in general we need self policing

Is AimPoint to blame for behavior on the greens?

What Koepka said: "It's not good. It gets very chewed up around the hole lately and I don't know if it's because more people are doing AimPoint.

"They're also close to the hole when theyre doing it. If you have a three footer sometimes it's very chewed up around the green, but they just tap it all down. Whatever.

"But yeah, not a huge fan of it, they do it in front of the ball and behind the ball."

Is it a problem?

There's a two-fold issue here - are players doing too much gardening with their putters on the greens tapping down spike marks, and is the practice of AimPoint so close to the hole forcing that extra attention to detail?

To start with, since 2019 the rules of golf allow for players to tap down spike marks on their putting line on the greens, so there's nothing illegal going on here. But some players have been accused of going overboard.

When that happens, the word 'trenching' comes into play, a practice where the putter is effectively used to flatten out a path towards the hole to create a valley for it to run along smoothly.

That's an extreme example of course and no players have been accused of that, but there has been a visible rise in them fussily tapping down every blade of grass out of place on the greens.

This leans into Koepka's point though, that perhaps it's now necessary due to all this extra activity around the hole caused by AimPoint increasing the foot traffic even in close proximity to the hole.

We've all seen players, and caddies, straddling their line to judge any slope and using AimPoint even at close range, which infuriates many traditionalists and also does nothing to help with the pace of play.

Is there a solution?

Former US Open champion Lucas Glover has called for AimPoint to be banned in one of the more extreme views on the topic.

It does seem odd that in the days of metal spikes ripping up greens players were not allowed to tap down spike marks, yet in an era of soft spikes there seems to be more work to be done around the hole.

All the traffic from AimPoint no doubt causes damage near the cup and although it's a modern tool used by many top pros, does it need to be implemented even from around three or four feet?

So while players are allowed to wander around the hole all day with their caddies then you can't really stop players from tapping down the resulting spike marks.

But we have to have limits, the pace of play takes a hammering on the greens with all this fiddling about and that's something the PGA Tour really need to keep an eye out for.

It's still a watching brief right now but certainly something to really stay on top of.

But what do you think? Is there too much bending of the rules on the PGA Tour? Do players improve lies in the rough and on the greens, and is AimPoint to blame for at least some of it? Send us your thoughts, suggestions and solutions by joining the conversation below....

Recently, I overheard a conversation between a group of amateur golfers that suggested entering nine-hole cards for your handicap was a bit of a 'cheat code'.

Their rationale was that with fewer holes to play, it was easier to submit a decent score and cut your handicap before the inevitable back-nine implosion.

So, in the interest of research, I experimented with entering nine-hole cards for a four-week period... and the results were equal parts illuminating and frustrating.

Time for a little bit of honest self-reflection... I'm a habitually slow starter on the golf course. There, I said it.

I've made my peace with that fact and found ways to ensure I can build a good round with gradually building momentum - but this sluggish start is compounded when only playing nine holes.

While I can begrudgingly accept a five-over through three start with 15 holes to play, the prospect of having just six to rescue my score sends my head in a spin.

Chasing is probably not something that's recommended for high-handicap golfers like me, with all the sensible educational messaging suggesting that a strategic bogey golf approach is the way to shoot lower scores.

After already blowing shots in the opening stretch, I don't feel like I have that luxury.

When analysing the four nine-hole cards that I entered, two of the rounds started with a four-over through three start (or worse).

Those rounds ended with scores of 49 and 51, which gave me a score differential average of around three over my handicap.

This isn't just a problem for nine-hole scores, I might add. A whopping 60% of my last five 18-hole scores entered for handicap purposes started with a six-over through three start (or worse).

The difference is, I managed to rescue all of those rounds to card a score in the 90s - which is pretty par for the course for me.

Three of the scores even counted as part of my eight best rounds and therefore shifted the needle on my handicap index - which brings me on to my next point.

In addition to starting like a heavy freight train, I am also a confidence player. When things are going well on the course, you could be forgiven for assuming I am actually fairly competent at the game.

In contrast, however, when things are not going well I often get inside my own head and the self-sabotage begins.

I once asked Alex James, Head Professional at Sand Moor Golf Club, what he thinks is stopping me from breaking 90. His response was one simple word... "you".

Mentally is crucially important in golf, which makes my lack of control even more infuriating, but I quite enjoy that feeling of riding the wave when the putts are dropping.

In the four nine-hole rounds that I entered on England Golf, I never really got going. With limited time on the course, I also never had the chance to kick myself into gear - meaning not only was my scoring pretty woeful but I also felt quite flat.

Ultimately, my enjoyment of the round suffered in the same way as my scoring - a double jeopardy that no amateur golfer wants to experience.

In quite the contradiction to my early statements, I can appreciate the appeal of shorter format golf as a concept - even if I am not very good at it.

I like the fact I can fit it into my busy schedule and how, if I could get it right, it would allow me to maintain an accurate handicap with a lighter time investment.

Some would, and do, argue that golfers shouldn't be able to enter nine-hole cards. The crux of the argument is it's much easier to play good golf over nine holes, there's less time and holes for things to go wrong and the mental challenge is diminished.

This experiment, hopefully, shows it's not really as easy as that. Perhaps, a more competent player could achieve an advantage through entering cards this way, but I believe the pros of making the game more accessible and inclusive outweigh the potential downsides.

I would be keen to explore ways that more competitions can be played over a shorter course, but the results of this particular experiment are clear... nine-hole scorecards are terrible for my pursuit of a lower handicap.

Let's try 12-hole golf, that could be the sweet spot. Watch this space!

If you are looking to dial in your short-game control, you can rarely go wrong by taking inspiration from the greatest ever players. The TaylorMade Tiger Woods MG4 wedges are some of the best golf wedges on the market and are built to the 15-time Major winner’s exact personal specifications.

Right now, you can add this tour-calibre hardware to your bag with a very impressive discount at Carl's Golfland. The TaylorMade Tiger Woods MG4 is discoiunted to just $119.99, from its usual $199.99, and is a 40% off reduction, in this early Black Friday 2026 deal.

Grab a TaylorMade Tiger Woods MG4 wedge for just $119.99 at Carl's Golfland.

In our TaylorMade MG4 Wedge review, Sam De’Ath awarded it a 4.5 star rating, and noted that the MG4 was not only a stunning-looking club, but was a wedge that delivered spin at a consistently high level, regardless of conditions. Sam also added that the MG4 offered superb feel and feedback, and the game of most golfers would benefit by adding an MG4 to the bag.

Tiger provided extensive feedback on the loss of spin caused by morning dew and wet rough. His testing helped validate TaylorMade’s laser-etched Spin Tread technology. These are deep, laser-etched channels between the grooves that funnel moisture away at impact to maintain consistent spin rates and prevent the dreaded flyer.

Paired with the untreated Raw Face and Raised Micro-Ribs, the MG4 retains jaw-dropping stopping power and predictable launch angles, regardless of whether you're clipping it off dry summer fairways or wet autumn rough.

Elsewhere, Tiger also insisted on CNC sole milling. Historically, hand-ground wedges introduce tiny variances between builds. Tiger worked with TaylorMade’s R&D team to fully CNC-machine the sole, ensuring that every wedge replicates his exact turf-interaction geometry with zero hand-finishing discrepancies.

Carl's Golfland has both versions of the MG4 wedge discounted, which come in either 56 or 60-degree options. Again, Tiger was fully involved, and in the 56-degree he specified a dual-sole design with heavy heel relief, allowing him to play standard pitch shots square while still opening the face easily out of varied sand conditions.

For the 60-degree, he specified an aggressive high bounce on the leading edge combined with a heavily shaved trailing heel. This allows the club to be completely flat for high flop shots without the leading edge lifting off tight fairway lies.

Finished with tour-staple components like the True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue 115 shaft and Lamkin’s Crossline 360 grip.

If you're after another golf wedge brand, then our best golf wedges page has all the advice you need to get a wedge to suit your game.

This deal is US only, but below you'll find the best prices on TaylorMade MG4 Wedge prices in your location and currency.

The mini driver is a trend that I honestly thought may have cooled off by now, but it seems to still very much be on an upward trajectory. As someone who sometimes struggles with my fairway wood, more so from the tee, I was excited to see if there were any performance gains to be had with the newest version of the PXG Secret Weapon Mini Driver.

Built with the same DNA as the popular Lightning lineup, this club promises to give you the distance of a driver but with the reliable control of a fairway wood thanks to more loft and shorter shaft length. If you’re looking at adding a mini driver to your bag, it’s usually due to being slightly erratic off the tee, struggling with the correct launch on a standard driver, or you just want a little more out of a 3-wood. As I mentioned earlier, the latter is where I fit in.

Right out of the box, this club looks premium, and I’m a massive fan of the refined aesthetic of this newer model. The 300cc head sits beautifully behind the ball and really doesn’t look too hard to launch from the fairway. It’s compact enough that I felt as though I could shape my shots, yet it will instill confidence in any golfer who needs it.

The lightweight matte carbon fiber crown is a huge upgrade from the gloss of the previous iteration in my opinion, really elevating the look at address. The added benefit of this lightweight crown was the redistribution of weight, positioning the CG lower in the head, making it extremely easy to launch from the deck - exactly what I was hoping for.

The new Secret Weapon is only offered in a 13° model, which, as someone who wants it primarily to go just a touch further than my 3-wood, is perfect, but I do feel as though an 11° option would be ideal for those wanting to use it mostly from the tee.

On the ruler, the model I tested measured 43.25 inches - the same as my TaylorMade Qi4D 3-wood that’s occupied that spot in the bag. Despite the larger head on the end, I felt very much connected and in control, and when I stepped up to the launch monitor, the numbers backed up that feeling.

To gather data on the Secret Weapon, I took it to the Golf Monthly Performance Lab where I tested it using a Foresight Sports QuadMax launch monitor. On a 25-ball average, I saw a carry distance of 271 yards from the fairway.

Now, I was delighted when I saw this number, as it's exactly what I was hoping for with this club. It's just a nudge of 10 yards further than my 3-wood, but not pushing up and closing the gap with my driver, where I average around 295 yards of carry. Sure, I increase the gap between my 5-wood (245 yards carry) and my next club up by carrying the Secret Weapon, but I very rarely have between 245 and 260 into a green.

Knowing your yardages is crucial when making this decision, as you don't want to leave yourself big gaps, particularly if you find yourself playing from that yardage fairly regularly on the course.

For me, I simply gained an option from the tee, though when I may encounter run-outs further down the hole, the driver is just a touch too much club.

The ball was jumping off the club at an impressive 162 mph ball speed and launching at 15.5 degrees. It also reached a towering peak height of 148 feet, although it was easy enough to bring the flight down when needed.

A big reason the ball feels so hot off this club is the new face, which PXG made over 4 percent thinner than the last version. I could genuinely feel a trampoline-like pop and incredible energy transfer, though the feel off the face is definitely on the firmer side compared to the Callaway Quantum Mini Driver.

I was really impressed by the forgiveness of the new Secret Weapon. PXG reworked the inside of the club's sole to support that thinner face and pushed all the saved weight out to the edges. During my testing, when I caught a few out near the toe, the club barely twisted in my hands, and the majority of the shots stayed surprisingly straight and in play.

There are four weight ports on the sole (heel, toe, front, and back) that come loaded with two 7.5-gram and two 2.5-gram weights for those that like to tinker with their equipment. I found this changed my spin rate by 200/300 rpm depending on where I put the heavier weights and could definitely have a big say in creating a desired ball flight. Add in the adjustable hosel, and you really feel like you can customize your exact preferred trajectory.

This club is great for those narrow par-4s where you absolutely have to find the short grass, but if you usually reach for a 3-wood as your go-to club into longer holes, I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised by how easy it is to launch the Secret Weapon off the deck and the amount of control you feel you have over the ball flight.

This past year will be remembered fondly by Scottie Scheffler, Jon Rahm, Nelly Korda and Eugenio Chacarra as a result of their achievements on the golf course.

Each has won multiple titles and all four may yet end 2026 with the season-long prize in hand, too.

Scheffler and Rahm have already picked out a place in their trophy cabinets for the FedExCup and LIV Golf Individual title, respectively, while Chacarra needs to protect a 669-point lead over the final two events to clinch his first Harry Vardon trophy.

On the LPGA Tour, Korda is almost 800 points ahead of her great rival Jeeno Thitikul with around a month of the campaign remaining.

Either way, the quartet have been dominant on their home tours throughout this year and have earned an impressive amount of money each.

However, some tours are clearly more lucrative than others and an identical number of wins for Scheffler and Chacarra has not equated to similar level of prize money - far from it.

Though the pair have three individual wins apiece since January 1, the American has earned a grand total of almost $31 million in 2026 - excluding another $33 million in bonus money - while the DP World Tour's current leader has made around 90% less at just over $3 million.

What makes that eyebrow-raising fact even more extraordinary is the fact Scheffler has competed in only 20 tournaments so far while Chacarra will reach 30 providing he plays both DP World Tour Play-off events in November.

That means Scheffler averaged more than $1.5 million per event in 2026 ($1,546,876.25) as he surpassed Tiger Woods' all-time Career Money record on the PGA Tour whereas Chacarra picked up just under $110,000 per event ($109,820).

The aforementioned sums also likely go a long way to explaining why DP World Tour pros are so keen to land PGA Tour status at the end of each season, allowing them to significantly increase their earning potential.

Someone who is keen to follow that path next season is Rahm, fresh off the back of earning over $25 million from his final campaign with LIV Golf.

The two-time Major winner was only able to play in 12 LIV events this past season due to the league's well-documented funding struggles.

Add in appearances at all four Majors and three starts via the DP World Tour and Rahm was on show only 19 times this year.

Nevertheless, he still managed to bank almost $26 million along the way thanks to a couple of wins - $6 million of which arrived for sealing a third consecutive individual season-long crown.

Remarkably, the man who beat Rahm to the final LIV Golf title of 2026 - Michael La Sasso - actually earned more from the team-based circuit ($3.24m) than Chacarra has to date and the American finished 25th in the 2026 LIV Golf money list.

On a similar note, Eric Cole is currently 54th on the PGA Tour's Official Money list with $3.12 million from 27 starts.

That isn't likely to bother Chacarra too much, if at all, though given he was quoted as saying "on LIV, there is only money" following his departure from the circuit back in 2024.

Chacarra said: "I see what it’s like to win on the PGA Tour and how your life changes. How you get Major access and ranking points. On LIV, nothing changes, there is only money.

"It doesn’t matter if you finish 30th or first, only money. I’m not a guy who wants more money. What will change my life is playing in Hawaii [The Sentry] and qualifying for the Majors, qualifying for the Masters, the Ryder Cup.”

Coincidentally, the Spaniard is now on Luke Donald's radar to make Team Europe for next year's Ryder Cup and could achieve his goals with a strong season on the PGA Tour in 2027.

Rounding out this look back at the biggest money-makers of 2026 is someone who always enjoys a great year on US soil, Korda.

The World No.1 has only played 15 times this year so far but has won four times - two of which were Majors - equating to in excess of $6 million in prize money.

She banked $3.85 million from her two Major successes and finished either first or second in seven of her first eight appearances this year.

However, because of the much more modest prize purses in the women's game at the moment, Korda's genius hasn't been rewarded as handsomely as her male counterparts.

Below is a breakdown of each tour money leader's season stats to date as well as how much they have earned in total from on-course achievements.

PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, DP World Tour, LIV Golf Money Leaders 2026

*latest amount based on euros to dollars at latest exchange rate prior to publishing.

It has been a big 2026 for golf speakers, with three serious contenders emerging already this year: Bushnell’s Wingman HD, the impressive Player Pro GPS speaker from Blue Tees, and the brilliantly fun Mileseey GeneSonic Pro.

I’ve tested all three, and while the trio proved superb, they all come with sizeable price tags. Both the Bushnell and Blue Tees options also require an ongoing subscription to unlock the full feature suites.

So, what are the alternatives for golfers who want one of the best golf speakers without breaking the bank? The Dprofy V3 Pro makes a compelling case.

The V3 Pro borrows heavily from what makes top-tier golf speakers so effective, headed by a sharp 2.8-inch touchscreen that delivers essential on-course navigation. More than 43,000 courses come preloaded onto the device, and setup requires little more than syncing with the Dprofy mobile app. Once your round begins, you can pocket your phone and leave it there for the rest of the day.

During testing at Ormeau Golf Club in Belfast, I found the unit refreshingly intuitive. The golf-specific features are comprehensive: you can track live scoring, adjust pin locations for precise yardages, and check distances to hazards like bunkers, water, and tree lines at a glance.

An integrated magnetic strip locks firmly onto golf cart frames with minimal fuss. Should you manage to leave it behind on the course like I do all too often, Apple Find My integration helps track down your missing hardware quickly and give you extra peace of mind. IPx6 water-resistance also helps protect it against unexpected rain showers.

Battery life is admirable, comfortably surviving roughly three rounds of golf with music playing throughout. Speaking of audio, the 20W driver pushes out clear, punchy sound both on the fairway and at home. While it does not quite match the sound quality of the three premium models mentioned earlier, the V3 Pro is notably cheaper ($179.99), making that performance gap entirely reasonable rather than a deal-breaker.

You can also elevate your V3 Pro experience by pairing it with the Dprofy what they call their Smart Golf GPS Rangefinder with Voice Caddie. No, this isn't a rangefinder, but rather small wearable clickers you can attach to your clothing. Press the button and your speaker will conveniently deliver voice broadcast distance and hazard alerts during your round.

Value remains its headline strength. At an RRP of $179.99, the V3 Pro easily undercuts the competition. Better yet, it skips the subscription model entirely; once you buy the device, every feature is unlocked with no hidden annual fees.

It may not be a game-changing piece of technology, but it was never intended to be. If you want a dependable, high-quality speaker for both domestic listening and on-course GPS duties for under $200, the Dprofy V3 Pro is well worth a look.

When I walk into almost any golf club, I notice one demographic missing: young mothers with babies. An obvious observation, perhaps, but consider that thousands of women play regularly before starting a family. Grassroots participation among young women is steadily climbing, yet the moment they have children, they vanish from our fairways and clubhouses.

I constantly wonder how inviting our golf clubs genuinely appear to new mothers. How many women would even contemplate packing up their newborn, heading to the club to hit a basket of balls, or slipping out for 3 or 4 holes? The unfortunate reality is that for most, the environment feels anything but welcoming.

A recent post in the 100,000-strong Women Who Golf community brought this issue into sharp focus. A member named Paige Ross headed to her local range in the US with her newborn resting quietly in a stroller. Shortly after arriving, she was approached by club management and flatly asked to leave.

The catch was, she wasn’t asked to leave because of the stroller. She was told to pack up because it was "Men’s League Day," meaning women were strictly forbidden from booking tee times, playing the course, or even using the practice range. In this day and age, that kind of blatant discrimination is staggering, especially when male members retain full access to facilities on ladies’ competition days at the very same venue.

Yet what proved even more astonishing than that archaic rule was what unfolded next. Paige went online seeking advice, solidarity, and practical support regarding the club's policy. Alongside the expected outrage over gender inequality, she was hit with an avalanche of criticism from fellow golfers simply for bringing her baby to the driving range. Comment after comment scolded her, questioning her parenting, her judgment, and her common sense.

That reaction stopped me in my tracks. It made me take a long, hard look at our sport and ask some uncomfortable questions. Is golf encouraging enough, or encouraging at all, towards new mums? Are our facilities, courses, and ranges fit for purpose, or are we actively shutting out the very demographic the game claims it wants to attract? I'd love to hear what you think in the comments box below.

Double Standards And Common Sense

At the driving range where I coach, I regularly see dads roll in pushing strollers. They park the buggy beside them in the bay, hit balls, get their practice in, and look after their children simultaneously. Nobody bats an eyelid. Nobody marches over to demand they leave, and no one questions their competence as a parent. In fact, people often stop to smile and praise them for being such hands-on fathers.

Why is the reaction so radically different when a mother dares to do the exact same thing? Of course, there are obvious objections. Yes, golf balls are hard, dimpled projectiles travelling at high speed. Yes, courses carry inherent risks. And yes, babies make noise, need feeding on demand, and require nappy changes at inconvenient moments.

The most important fact is that women have been having babies for thousands of years. We know how to parent responsibly. No mother in her right mind is going to position her baby under an overhead swing path, park a buggy in the line of fire on a blind hole, or leave a stroller exposed on a busy corner. Yet the vitriolic reaction directed at Paige read as if she had dangled her infant from the range rafters.

Every mother deserves the right to make choices for her child without being patronised. The wider issue here is that golf clubs and governing bodies are shooting themselves in the foot by treating strollers on fairways as a taboo liability rather than an incredible participation opportunity.

I firmly believe that virtually every club in the country could find safe spaces and quiet windows to get new mums back into the sport they love. More than that, golf could be actively championed as an extraordinary therapeutic tool to combat postnatal depression, ease postpartum isolation, and foster a supportive community of golfing parents.

Three years ago, I explored this exact topic with Lauren Prince, a pregnant golfer from Bath. We talked about what would happen once her baby arrived - would she pack her clubs away until school age, or get right back out with her baby in tow? For Lauren, it was a no-brainer: she was heading straight back to the fairways with her buggy.

For anyone in shock reading this, let’s be clear. Nobody is suggesting pushing a pram through a packed Saturday morning medal. That wouldn’t be practical, safe, or enjoyable for anyone. Newborns have short biological clocks; their window of contentment is small before hunger strikes, a nappy needs changing, or they simply want to be held.

What we are talking about is grabbing an hour or two during off-peak times. Stepping out into the fresh air and soaking up desperately needed headspace can be a lifeline for a woman who has recently given birth. We talk endlessly about how magnificent golf is for mental health and wellbeing, yet during those delicate first months post-birth, when a woman’s physical and emotional wellbeing needs the most nurturing, our sport effectively locks the door.

Instinct, Protection, And The Realities Of Modern Motherhood

Common sense will always be the foundation of this. A few years ago, Amanda Delhaas shared a post on Women Who Golf that captured the balance perfectly. She went out to play eight weeks postpartum, carrying her clubs and pushing her pram. She teed off at 5pm on a quiet weekday evening when the course was virtually empty, using a rain and sun shade to keep her baby sheltered from the elements and any stray ball from adjacent holes.

She assessed the environment and made it work. Protecting a child is maternal instinct, but prioritising your own self-care after childbirth rarely comes naturally because women are conditioned to put themselves last. What Delhaas did was responsible, safe, and deliberate, yet just like Paige, she faced fingers pointed at her from golfers branding her reckless.

Delhaas’s reply to those negative comments hit the nail on the head:

"I knew this post would stir the pot with a few people! Luckily, baby is an absolute dream and just sits in the pram quietly, so for now, I will continue going to the golf course with my baby, where I belong.

Thanks so much to all the supportive women and all your kind words! It’s about damn time we didn’t allow our lives to be restricted by motherhood. It ain’t the 1920s!"

She is entirely right. Looking back, three maternity leaves took a heavy toll on my career and sidelined my golf game for extended stretches. That is why I feel so passionately about this. Seeing modern women refuse to be erased from their passions gives me immense hope.

Those babies in prams are growing up viewing golf courses, open green spaces, and sports facilities as their normal everyday habitat. They are outside in nature come rain or shine, alongside a mother proactively caring for her physical and emotional health.

The developmental benefits for the baby are huge. Fresh air is one of nature’s greatest sleeping aids. When my own children were infants and vehemently refused to sleep inside their cots during the day, I would bundle them into the pram, take our dog on long walks, point out birds and trees, and within nine minutes out of ten, they would be sound asleep. That routine bought me hours of peace.

My only regret is that back then, I lacked the confidence to walk onto a golf course with my buggy. I genuinely assumed the club would never allow it. Seeing women today with a bag slung over their shoulder, their baby sleeping peacefully beside them, and their own mental health sitting near the top of their priority list is inspiring.

Breaking the Stigma: Professional Reality vs Club Culture

Look at the highest levels of the sport. The LPGA Tour provides fully funded, professional mobile childcare facilities at tournament sites. That initiative was born from necessity, allowing top players to pursue world-class careers without being forced to choose between motherhood and their livelihoods.

The critical issue is that at the grassroots amateur club level, that choice barely exists. The pathway for a club golfer to balance early motherhood with her sport is practically invisible. A substantial part of this problem comes down to outdated attitudes among existing memberships.

When I had my children, my mother-in-law was visibly horrified that I planned to continue working, let alone step foot onto a golf course with a newborn. That generational mindset is still pervasive in traditional clubhouses. It sends a toxic message that once a woman gives birth, her personal identity, athletic pursuits, and leisure must be shelved indefinitely. It reinforces the damaging idea that a mother’s place is at the bottom of the domestic priority list.

Consider the paradox of how golf treats animals versus human children. Over the past decade, dozens of clubs across the UK have rewritten their bylaws to become proudly dog-friendly. Clubs adapted because members wanted to bring their pets. If our sport can accommodate wet dogs that bark and pull on leads, how on earth can we justify turning our backs on clean, quiet strollers containing our future membership?

Not every mother will want to bring her baby to the course, many cherish their golf time as a solo sanctuary away from childcare, but for those who need to bring their infant along to stay connected to the game, the option should exist.

The Blueprint For Change: How Clubs Can Step Up

If you are currently sitting on a golf club committee, staring at membership figures, and wondering why you struggle to attract women under the age of 50; if you are watching your junior ranks dry up instead of expanding organically; if you are looking at an ageing demographic profile and wondering where your next generation of loyal members will come from, this is one obvious place to start.

Welcoming new mothers is not an operational hazard, it is the most natural, multi-generational growth vehicle our sport has. If your club is already leading the way on this, speak up, share your model, and help demystify the absurd notion that having a pram on site is an insurance nightmare waiting to happen.

Here is a practical, realistic roadmap for clubs ready to lead the modern era:

Golf-Centric Antenatal & Postnatal Groups: Partner with local parenting organisations to host casual social mornings. At clubs like The Caversham, regular parent-and-baby groups meet weekly. Introducing a short putting clinic or coffee morning alongside these meetups demystifies the club environment for expecting and new parents before they feel disconnected.

Dedicated Stroller Roll-Ups: Organise low-pressure, 9 hole or 3 hole roll-ups during quiet weekday twilight windows. Setting aside dedicated times creates safety in numbers, eliminates pace-of-play anxieties, and allows new mothers to connect with peers in the same life stage.

Pram-Friendly Range Facilities: Designate specific bays at the end of driving ranges with ample clearance for strollers out of the swing path, complete with safety netting. Simple additions, like access to a clubhouse microwave for warming bottles or baby food, turn an intimidating facility into an accessible one.

Basic Family Infrastructure: Install modern baby-changing facilities in main clubhouse restrooms and on-course halfway houses. Stocking healthy snacks, fruit, and hydration options at the pro shop or halfway hut benefits nursing mothers and adults just as much as growing children.

Cultivating Member Culture: Educate the wider club community to embrace young families. A supportive word from a senior member to a young mother practising her putting with a pram can be the difference between that woman renewing her subscription or walking away from the game forever.

Golf is a multi-generational sport that can teach patience, resilience, integrity, and focus. There is no reason why that education cannot begin while rolling peacefully along a fairway in a pram. It is time we change the narrative, strip away outdated stigmas, and make sure that having a baby marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in a woman's golf journey, not the end of it.

We thought his beef with Bryson DeChambeau was a thing of the past, but Brooks Koepka couldn't resist taking a shot at his old sparring partner.

This time with reference to his 2025 Masters Sunday showdown with Rory McIlroy, when DeChambeau complained that the eventual Green Jacket winner didn't talk to him all day.

Koepka's not known as a huge talker either, just one reason why his personality often grinds up against the more outgoing DeChambeau, so was firmly on McIlroy's side.

Speaking to Dan Rapaport, five-time Major champion Koepka joked about DeChmbeau that "I don't think many people want to talk to him regardless".

DeChambeau was keen to engage with McIlroy on that Sunday at Augusta National, but the Northern Irishman brushed him off, later explaining: "We’re trying to win the Masters. I’m not going to try to be his best mate out there.”

Koepka is in the McIlroy camp on this one and, unsurprisingly given how he went about winning his five Majors, would not have been chatting away while trying to win one of the biggest prizes in golf.

“I wouldn’t have spoken to Rory, and I don’t think he would have spoken to me and it would have been totally fine,” Koepka told the Dan on Golf YouTube show.. “I’m not a big talker. I’ll talk a little bit, maybe the first couple of holes.

“I fully understand it. I don’t feel bad. It is what it is. Some guys don’t talk. It’s okay. It’s their job. They get to do what they want."

Koepka also couldn't resist having a dig at DeChambeau though, as he started off by giving his opinion of the two-time Major champion.

"I mean, he lives in his own world," Koepka added. "I mean, I don't think many people want to talk to him regardless."

Koepka and DeChambeau have a long history of course, with plenty of bad blood before their beef was eventually squashed, but it's fair to say they've never been best friends.

Even when the two both played on LIV Golf and teamed up to face McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler in a special exhibition match in 2024.

Koepka is friends with McIlroy though, with the two close neighbors in Florida and similar personalities.

McIlroy's back-to-back Masters wins took him above Koepka with six Majors, and it's given the American something to fight for as he still feels he can win golf's biggest prizes.

“It motivates me, put it that way. I’m happy for him, I think he deserves it,” said Koepka.

“But at the same time, I want to beat the crap out of him and I’m sure he feels the exact same way."

Koepka still feels he can add to his Major tally in a big way with even doubling his current mark and getting 10 not out of his reach, even though he's not been as vocal on that as he has been previously.

"I still think I can get to double digits," he insisted. "But you have to think that way. Maybe I'm just expressing it differently.

"You get to six, seven, eight Majors that's a different calibre of guys."

David Ward’s golf clubs are packed. He’s ready for his 14th Simpson Cup, the annual Ryder Cup-style tournament contested by two teams of 13 injured Servicemen and veterans from Great Britain and the USA. This weekend, it’s off to Fort Worth, Texas. Shady Oaks Country Club. Bring it on.

The golf is important. We’re talking about 26 individuals who want to win. However, the Simpson Cup, which Ward has featured in every year since its inception at TPC Sawgrass in 2012, represents more than a golf tournament.

It's the reason Ward - a survivor of the Kegworth air disaster - takes such pride in his involvement.

“I can’t tell you just how much John Simpson and the Simpson Cup have done for injured ex-soldiers,” says Ward, 61. “It’s like the tournament has put us back in the military.

“It’s nice to be back with like-minded guys and give them something to compete for again. The Royal Marines, the paras… they need that competitiveness.”

Ward was one of 126 passengers on a commercial flight that crashed on the M1 motorway in 1989. He was returning to Belfast with his fiancée Judith, who also worked in the military.

Ward, who was 24 at the time, survived, but 47 people did not, including Judith. He was one of the last people rescued, and when he woke from an induced coma three weeks later, he discovered what his new life would look like.

“I’d broken pretty much every bone in my body, including my neck, everything apart from my right arm,” he says. “I had my right leg amputated too. When you lose your leg, you think you’re the only one who’s bad off.

“It’s an eye-opener when you see other guys, people with above-the-knee amputations and double leg amputations. You realise you’re not the only one in that boat. The On Course Foundation and Simpson Cup bring us together.”

Competing In The Cup

Ward says it took seven years to learn how to walk again. When he no longer needed a wheelchair, he relied on crutches, and when he no longer needed them, he discovered golf. He hasn’t looked back since.

“I played all sorts in the military,” he says, “football, cricket, tennis, basketball. Losing my leg narrowed things down a bit! My friend suggested playing golf, and I joked, ‘I didn’t play when I had two legs, so I can’t see myself playing when I’ve only got one.’” A round of pitch and putt changed all that.

Now a member of Boringdon Park in Plymouth, Ward, who has got his handicap down to as low as nine, describes himself as a “solid” 10.7.

The three-time Simpson Cup captain heads to the Lone Star State hoping Team GB can win for the third successive year, although more than anything he’s looking forward to catching up with old friends and making new ones.

“The US has got a good side. We’ve got a good side. It’s good to meet them on the other side of the pond, to catch up and see how everyone is doing with their injuries. I’ve made as many good friends playing golf as I did before I went into the military.”

"Game-Changing" Treatment

Beyond the friendly banter and golf talk, the event gives players a valuable chance to talk through their treatments. Wear and tear from years of strain on Ward’s left leg eventually left his knee 'bone on bone'.

However, a non-surgical hydrogel injection called Arthrosamid - which he received in 2023 - has “saved his game”.

More importantly, it means he can look forward to many more years on the fairways in the company of good friends. “It’s enhanced my life,” he says. “I’m still feeling the benefits today, and getting back to the things I love.”

Everyone competing in the Simpson Cup at the start of November has a story to tell. By sharing his personal journey, Ward hopes to emphasise the significance of both the tournament and the On Course Foundation, an organisation founded by John Simpson MBE.

“I’m not just saying it… the treatment has been an absolute game-changer for me,” he adds. “I can’t thank John and the doctors enough for what they’ve done. They’ve been absolutely brilliant.”

Ben Griffin returned to action with a bang at the Mexico Open, having made the tough decision to split with his former caddie after they "changed each other's lives" working together.

Griffin ended a hugely successful four-and-a-half-year partnership with Alex Ritthamel during which time he became a multiple PGA Tour winner and Ryder Cup player.

But the switch to Phil Mickelson's former caddie Jon Yarbrough paid off immediately with the veteran bagman showing why he's known as 'Greens Book Jonny' by helping Griffin record a stunning putting round in Mexico.

Thanks to a steller display on the greens, Griffin shot 64 in his first competitive action since August as he returned to golf following a knee injury scare.

Griffin won three times on the PGA Tour in 2025 with Ritthamel on his bag as he earned a Ryder Cup spot, but the 30-year-old just felt the time was right to make a change.

"So incredible run with Alex, previous caddie," Griffin said after his opening round in Mexico. "Four and a half years, we changed each other's lives. So it was a really tough decision honestly. All respect to Alex. We had a great run and we had so much fun together really. Still friendly.

"It's just tough out here. Four and a half years and I just felt like the time was right for me to make a switch, and yeah, it's worked out really well."

Mickelson described Yarbrough as the "best green reader I've ever seen" during their partnership which started at the 2024 Masters, and that showed in Griffin's remarkable display on the greens.

In their first round together, Griffin made 159 feet of putts at the Mexico Open and gained over four strokes on the greens - with Yarbrough backing him up with his reads.

"Jon's really good on the greens," Griffin confirmed. "He's known as one of the best green readers out here, so having him today from close range was nice to help me kind of reaffirm some of my reads.

"And then yeah, he's one of the chillest dudes out here, super calm and it's been fun so far having him one day in."

No rust on Griffin after knee procedure

Griffin was last seen in action at the BMW Championship back in August, and he explained that he's taken the time to try and cure a troubling knee injury.

"So actually I got knee injections in my left knee, I got PRP and hyaluronic acid put in my left knee," Griffin revealed.

"I battled tendonitis in my left knee for two years and I got an MRI kind of end of the season, noticed there was a fissure in the cartilage kind of in the middle. So got a couple injections just to help with that."

There was no signs of rust on Griffin's game in Mexico despite a prolonged period out, and no issues either in getting around the course - which thankfully for him is one of the flatter layouts he'll face as his return was slightly ahead of schedule.

"I was kind of not playing golf for about a month, was just relaxing and slowly kind of eased my way back in," he added. "This is like week seven since and they say it's supposed to kick in between six and eight weeks, so even here was pushing it a little bit, but I felt good.

"I'm not too worried about it really. It was bothering me more for walking upstairs and putting a lot of pressure on it if I ever got in an awkward lie.

"So got that done, still feel good right now. This is my first time walking 18 since the BMW so I'm just glad I made it through. It's a flat golf course and I feel great."

Eddie Pepperell had some strong words for Sergio Garcia as he questioned the sentiments in the Spaniard's statement about returning to the DP World Tour.

Garcia proclaimed that he was "proud to call it home again" after confirming his LIV Golf exit and return to the DP World Tour - although his words seem to have rubbed Pepperell up the wrong way.

It's fair to say Garcia burned a few bridges when he left for LIV Golf in 2022, falling out with long-time friend Rory McIlroy and upsetting Robert MacIntyre when the Spaniard reportedly went on an expletive-laden rant in the locker room at the BMW International Open.

With Garcia also leaving the PGA Tour in similar angry fashion, his assertion that "probably the most exciting part for me is strengthening personal relationships, both new and old" was likely what Pepperell, and a few other players no doubt, will call into question.

“This has to be Sergio trolling us? Surely,” Pepperell said on X. “Elite level s***housery, this. Or has he got dementia?”

After agonizingly finishing in 101st place on the Race To Dubai, Pepperell now faces Qualifying School to regain his full playing card - while Garcia could end up getting right back on the tour he had some strong words against.

Pepperell did qualify his remarks later by insisting that he was not doubting Garcia's quality as a player, or the value he would bring to the DP World Tour, rather the tone of his statement about his return.

"To be clear, I think Sergio Garcia is still a wonderful player. He was my favourite golfer growing up, ahead of Tiger. And I can see the value he still brings, ahead of me certainly," Pepperell added.

"But his statement today shows a remarkable lack of self awareness. Like, a stunning amount."

Any bad feeling that remains on the DP World Tour towards Garcia will no doubt stem from the manner of his departure for LIV Golf and not just the decision he made.

On that BMW International Open incident, an anonymous DP World Tour player told the Telegraph that "Sergio flew off the handle, shouting 'this Tour is s***, you're all f*****, should have taken the Saudi money'. Bob MacIntyre was there and was disgusted."

Robert MacIntyre posted on social media during the tournament saying it is "amazing how fast you can lose respect for someone that you’ve looked up to all your life" which was thought to be about Garcia's supposed rant.

Garcia denied that outburst ever took place, saying "I don’t even know what they’re talking about" when questioned about it.

Garcia was also fined by the DP World Tour after withdrawing from its flagship BMW PGA Championship without an explanation after an opening round of 76 - and being pictured at a Texas football game the very next day.

It was a similar story on the PGA Tour when Garcia was caught on camera lambasting a rules official at the Wells Fargo Championship and all but confirming his impending exit.

"I can't wait to leave this Tour," said the veteran after being assessed a penalty shot he deemed unfair.

Given the nature of some of Garcia's comments down the years, he may have some work to do to win some players over on the DP World Tour when Garcia tees it up again in their ranks.

Most top players on the PGA Tour use the fall season for holidays or a rest period, but Wyndham Clark has been a lot more active and enjoying a more globe trotting playing schedule.

With the upcoming changes to the PGA Tour it looks like being a shorter regular season with more playing opportunities in the traditional offseason to tee it up outside the USA.

Following the Presidents Cup, Clark played in the Baycurrent Classic in Japan, is teeing it up this week at the Mexico Open and is in the field for December's Nedbank Golf Challenge in South Africa.

It's a little bit of business and pleasure for Clark, who enjoys going to new destinations and experiencing the trip as well as the competition - while also using it to keep sharp in what otherwise would be a long offseason.

"Yeah, everyone's asking me why I'm playing so much," said Clark. "I kind of like it keeps you sharp, doing some club testing.

"You know, the destinations that I'm playing at are pretty amazing. Playing in Japan, playing here in Mexico and then going to South Africa. They're all beautiful, amazing destinations. You use it as a work week, but also a little bit of a vacation."

Clark is enjoying Mexico in particular this week, as it's a regular destination for his vacations, while he's also got his brother on his bag for the tournament just ahead of his wedding.

Playing a more international schedule looks like being the way forward according to Clark, who can see the PGA Tour spreading its wings outside of America in a similar way to the NFL and NBA.

Brian Rolapp of course was a big figure in the NFL during the period it started expanding internationally and playing games in the UK, Europe and South America.

And Clark would love the PGA Tour to follow suit and hold more international events, or co-sanction some, in the future.

"Yeah, I think the PGA Tour is, what 90-some percent in the US and I think it's great that we play internationally," Clark added. "A lot of sports are international and they're even - you see sports like the NFL branching out, NBA branches out. I think it's great.

"I would love if we had more events international. I like playing over in Europe, I love playing in Latin America. There's so many good golf courses here. I know the fans enjoy golf.

"I've been coming to Mexico for, gosh, 15 years as a family so I really enjoy this culture, the food and have played tons of good golf courses. Hopefully we continue to come here and even expand the amount of times we come down here."

The PGA Tour is reportedly closing in on a huge new sponsorship deal with Visa which would include it backing the new version of the Tour Championship.

With major changes coming in 2028, Brian Rolapp is busy getting the new PGA Tour into shape, which looks to include one of its biggest ever sponsorship deals.

The Sports Business Journal's Josh Carpenter reports that an annual figure "in the high eight figures" is on the table, which would also be up there with Visa's current deals with both the FIFA and the IOC.

Neither party is commenting on the proposed deal, but it will reportedly see Visa become an official marketing partner of the PGA Tour from 2027 before taking up sponsorship of the new matchplay Tour Championship from 2028 - along with naming rights for three events on the second-tier Challenger Series.

The PGA Tour's deal with FedEx ended this year after two decades of sponsorship as Rolapp goes in a different direction for the new season from 2028 and beyond.

Changing the format of the Tour Championship to a matchplay event over multiple courses is part of that, and the idea now is apparently to have multiple main sponsors for the season-ending tournament instead of just one title backer.

The new PGA Tour features new two tiers of events throughout the campaign - the Championship Series featuring the top 120 players and the Challenger Series running below it.

Getting sponsors for those events widely known to be second tier could prove tough, especially with 13 of the 20-event schedule set to run alongside Championship Series tournaments.

Rolling out package deals such as the proposed Visa one, with sponsors backing big events on the top tier along with multiple Challenger Series tournaments looks to a route the PGA Tour is looking at.

Having a big hitter liks Visa on board will be a big boost though, especially if the deal is as wide ranging as it's reported to be.

And if it's more of a 'presenting partner' deal with the Tour Championship similar to the flagship Players Championship, then there's still room for more sponsors to come on board in similar circumstances.

Regardless of the full details, it looks to be a big step in the right direction for the new PGA Tour, which aims to be a more streamlined version and having fewer sponsors signing bigger deals could help with that.

Winter golf gets a bad reputation because the common perception is that it’s the ‘hardest’ time to play the game.

I’m inclined to challenge that narrative and propose a counterargument. For some golfers, including high-handicappers like me, winter golf can be fruitful.

This is the arena in which we can thrive. Many will refute that claim and suggest that if ‘less competent’ golfers struggle when the sun is shining, they have little chance of performing when the elements fight back.

So, in order to make my case, I’m going to lay out three reasons why winter is the best time for high-handicappers to shoot lower scores, which I hope will provide a little inspiration for our community to attack the season…

The Golfer Who Broke 90 In The Absence Of Sun

Before I get into the finer details of my argument, I’ll start by telling a brief story of a 20-handicapper who recently broke 90 for the first time ever (spoiler - it was me).

This achievement did not materialise in the sun-soaked domain of spring or summer, it was forged on the wind-battered, rain-doused battlefield of late autumn.

Now, you might be thinking… that’s not winter. But, let me tell you, the conditions were reflective of that time.

Hollow tined greens, whipping winds and greens so soft that it was like throwing darts (albeit, not very accurately).

This success was possible due to three factors that allowed me to play my best golf, all of which I believe apply to high-handicap golfers everywhere and should serve as motivation to make hay while the… winter chill stings your face.

1. A Lack Of Roll Can Be An Advantage

Most golfers feel penalised by the lack of roll on the fairways in winter. The moisture on the ground saps distance and the yardages they are hitting into the greens is inflated compared to a few months ago.

We know that negatively impacts an amateur's ability to hit greens in regulation, but what if that lack of roll forces high-handicappers to play more strategically?

Rather than putting the pedal to the ground on a 4-hybrid into the green, which might have been the option I’d gone for in summer, I’m now forced to lay up to within 50 yards of the green and get up and down for par, or two putt for an acceptable bogey.

The avoidance of bunkers and other hazards around the green provides a better opportunity to take a score of seven or eight out of the equation, while adding weight to the skill of a consistent short game - which you can practice, by the way.

There is also the added benefit of the ball stopping quickly on the fairway. For a slicer of the ball who often hits the fairway but fails to hold it, the soft bounce is actually advantageous.

No more chopping out from the trees, which further helps in the preservation of shots and my newly adopted bogey-golf strategy.

2. Hold The Green More Often

On the occasion where the green is reachable in two, despite the seasonal distance tax off the tee, I am now far more likely to hold the green.

Whether I am hitting a long iron that travels in with a lower flighted trajectory or a scoring club that gives me the chance to be more creative, I love the fact that the ball tends to stop almost exactly where it lands.

I won’t pretend to be calculating yardages with misguided notions of being able to land it on a 50-pence piece, but the putting surfaces on most courses are fairly reasonable and landing it somewhere on the short stuff is an achievable task.

Playing your third or fourth shot with a putter is a great way to shoot lower scores and cut your handicap, so any help the ground can give me in avoiding the spin-less interactions I often see in summer is much appreciated.

Oh, and don’t forget to repair your pitch marks. It’s just common decency when you are firing darts in like a pro.

3. Slow Greens, Yes Please!

Perhaps this is the reason why some of my best rounds have come on links golf courses, but I am not ashamed to admit that I love slow greens.

As an unapologetic AimPoint user, I back myself to read the greens fairly well whatever the weather - but pace control is often a different matter.

Lightning fast greens are my kryptonite, often leading a number of swipes with the flat stick and ruining the hard work I have done to avoid common high-handicap pitfalls on the way to the green.

Slow greens are kinder and more forgiving, at least for the high-handicap community. As evidenced by my first sub-90 score last week, I prefer to be able to take aim and be aggressive with my stroke.

If I can leave the ball within 3ft of the hole, I’ve avoided something that has consistently killed my pursuit of a score in the 80s - costly 3-putts.

Some of the flatter putts, with less break, are significantly more hole-able too. At least to my eye, anyway. I can be positive without worrying about de-greening it, which is a formula that I have found produces some of my better performances on the green.

Winter is here, unfortunately. Our firm, fast golf courses are a thing of the past for the time being, replaced instead with soft, wet and slippery conditions underfoot.

As golfers, we must adapt, and that begins with our apparel and footwear: insulating layers, a dependable waterproof jacket, and shoes that will keep us stable and comfortable in challenging conditions.

Although the majority of the best spiked golf shoes should do the job, equipping yourself with a pair of specialised winter golf boots is the easiest way to keep your feet secure and dry during the colder months, and Under Armour has released an intriguing new pair set to fight for the title of best golf boot on the market.

The Under Armour Drive Winterized Golf Boots are built to combat the harshest conditions winter can throw at us. Are they the best-looking golf shoes I’ve ever seen? Far from it, in fact, but that isn’t the point. These boots are built for pure performance, with Under Armour clearly prioritizing warm, dry feet over clubhouse style points on the first tee.

In fact, as someone who grew up playing Royal County Down with the Mourne Mountains towering over us, wearing these boots makes me feel like I could walk straight off the 18th green and hike up Slieve Donard, the highest peak in Northern Ireland.

The links turf at Royal County Down stays firmer than most throughout the winter, so I also took the Drive boots to an inland track to see how they handled softer, wetter ground. The grip on offer at Ormeau Golf Club in Belfast was remarkable on a day that was ideal for putting them through their paces - a damp, drizzly, and grey autumn afternoon where conditions underfoot were genuinely testing.

It proved a great trial for the UA Rotational Resistance system, which pairs directional traction lugs with a rubber outsole that wraps up the sidewall for lateral stability at impact. Both elements kept me impressively planted throughout the swing, particularly on tee shots with driver in hand where my footwork tends to be most active.

In terms of comfort, there is plenty to like as well. My initial impression was that I stood noticeably high off the ground due to the aggressive spiked outsole, a profile that might divide opinion, but the step-in comfort quickly won me over. The mid-cut collar locked my ankles securely in place while keeping out the chill, while a reinforced TPU heel counter and moulded sockliner delivered ample underfoot cushioning.

Wet feet are out of the question thanks to a refined yet hard-wearing premium leather upper paired with an integrated waterproof membrane. The layered construction reliably keeps moisture at bay across rain-soaked fairways, standing puddles and deep rough, all backed by Under Armour’s one-year waterproof warranty for further peace of mind.

These boots are clear about what are and what they are not: they are dedicated winter tools rather than versatile, year-round footwear, but they should sit right at the top of the shortlist for dedicated winter golfers.

Delivering this level of wet-weather performance for $100/£100 is exceptional. Under Armour consistently punches above its weight on value for money, and the Drive Winterized boots are another prime example.

Free of a hat sponsor now he's left LIV Golf, Lucas Herbert wants to use his head to champion Australian small businesses during a run of home events.

The proud Australian is one of the big names to rule out playing in LIV Golf 2.0, so will not be wearing his Ripper GC apparel when he returns Down Under for three big upcoming events.

Herbert wore Ripper GC gear when equalling the Major record with a round of 62 at the Open Championship this year, but with no LIV Golf gear he now has space for a sponsor logo on his hat.

However, instead of signing a deal with one sponsor just yet, he's giving away the advertising space on his hat free of charge for any Australian businesses that get in touch.

There is only one caveat though, as Herbert says "it has to be a cool hat" - as he said in a social media post that he'll wear a different one each day during the upcoming NSW Open, Australian PGA Championship and Australian Open.

“One of the things I’m passionate about is trying to help back home," Herbert said on Instagram while explaining his plan.

Herbert feels that "Aussie small businesses have been doing it pretty tough" this year so wants to help with the offer of free advertising on his hat.

“So, what I want to do is try and help give back. I’m not saying I’m a huge influencer across the world that’s going to completely revamp your business overnight. But I want you guys to reach out if you’re a small business owner, if you know a small business owner, if someone’s in the family, some friends, whoever. I want to wear some apparel.

“I have no tie to a hat sponsor coming back home this year, and I would love to wear some local business merchandise to promote you guys.”

While he's happy to support any local business, though, Herbert won't wear any old thing on his head in front of big crowds and TV audiences in Australia and beyond.

“It has to be a cool hat. We can’t be having terrible style of hats,” he said.

“We’ve got to have some cool hats that I can wear out there on the course. Let’s get some local businesses on some hats. Let’s get some promotion for you guys.

“Let’s get this thing moving and let’s have some fun for the three weeks that I’m home.”

Herbert joined the list of players ruling out playing in LIV Golf 2.0 as the World No.52 looks to return to the DP World Tour next season.

He was a two-time winner on LIV and finished fourth in the 2026 individual standings so the 30-year-old's departure is a blow - especially to the hope of staging another successfull event in Adelaide.

Cameron Smith, Elvis Smylie and Marc Leishman remain on the Australian Ripper GC team, and Smith in particular now seems crucial to LIV's success - with even South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas warning Adelaide won't go through with any future LIV events unless a strong field is confirmed.

Sergio Garcia has confirmed he's leaving LIV Golf and returning to the DP World Tour - while "keeping his options open" about going back to the PGA Tour.

The writing had been on the wall for the veteran Spaniard after he was the first player to file to have his LIV Golf contract terminated to ensure he was a free agent.

The 46-year-old has now confirmed his decision in a statement setting out his goals for the year, while also apologizing for his angry outburst at this year's Masters saying he's now a changed man mentally.

And as he's also previously spoken about, making the Ryder Cup team for Adare Manor next year is at the forefornt of his thinking.

"Next season I'll be playing on the DP World Tour," read Garcia's statement on social media.

"This tour has been a huge part of my career from the very beginning, and I'm proud to call it home again. I'm also keeping my options open for a return to the PGA Tour."

Garcia has already said he wants to be at Adare Manor in some capacity, as while he's targeting a playing role he'd happily help in Luke Donald's backroom staff if given the chance.

"It's a big year ahead with the Ryder Cup, and I'm going to work my tail off for every chance I can get at more Majors and the biggest events in the game," he added.

"Another goal is to make that Ryder Cup team, and to be an asset to the guys in whatever capacity that may be."

Garcia made five DP World Tour starts this year on sponsor invites, which included a T4 finish at the Bahrain Championship and T14 at the Amgen Irish Open.

He's not a current member but will no doubt be applying for membership when the window opens in November, and his position in seventh on the DP World Tour's Career Money List could open a few doors for entry into tournaments.

Qualifying School is always an option as is the Asian Tour, and with Garcia stating "in golf everything is earned and nothing is given" he seems happy to play his way back.

He'll have to sit out his 12-month suspension for the PGA Tour, and his acrimonious departure from the American circuit in 2022, famously exclaiming "I can't wait to leave this tour" during a tournament won't help his standing with Brian Rolapp.

Garcia also has bridges to build at Augusta National as the 2017 champion made the wrong type of headlines when smashing up a tee box back in April.

He now says he was "disappointed with myself and my actions" at Augusta and insists he's worked on his mindset and mental health to become a better person as well as player.

"I'm ready to show what I've learned and where I am mentally," he added. "Augusta has given me some of the greatest moments of my life, and I'd love nothing more than to chase another Green Jacket as such a special place."

It seems Garcia's had some sort of mental reset recently and now seems ready and willing to grind on his game aimed mainly on what could be one last shot at Ryder Cup glory - and rebuilding those burned bridges from joining LIV along with the way.

In yet another legal wrinkle to LIV Golf's bankruptcy proceedings, the law firm representing Bryson DeChambeau and several other players is reportedly on the verge of collapse.

Described as one of Wall Street's most prominent law firms in a New York Times report, Weil, Gotshal & Manges had been representing DeChambeau and a group of LIV Golf players in the Chaper 11 bankruptcy case.

It's not expected that DeChambeau and the group of players will need to find alternative representation, but it's an unwanted distraction for all parties as LIV Golf 2.0 looks to get off the ground.

The news will also be a big surprise since one of the top law firms around is suffering such an alarming fall from grace, with the departure of top partners and a failed merger attempt blamed for the decision to wind down.

"Following a careful review of strategic alternatives, the firm’s management committee has recommended to the partnership that the firm pursue an orderly wind-down," read a statement from the firm published by Reuters.

Weil also advised DeChambeau's company, BAD Enterprises Inc, and a group of investors in a deal for Sportsbox AI, so had close links with the two-time US Open champion.

This facet of the bankruptcy case concerns player contracts with clarity being sought over whether the deals can be fully rejected with them then becoming fully free agents.

There's still huge uncertainty surrounding LIV Golf 2.0, with players continuing to rule themselves out of the new version of the league.

The deadline set by investors BC Partners has been pushed back to 30 October after Scott O'Neil reportedly failed to meet the creditor's goal of between 30 and 40 players signing up.

LIV Golf insists it remains "on track" and appointing former TaylorMade CEO Mark King as Senior Advisor was a sign of confidence in the future.

Time is running out though, and DeChambeau is yet to declare his intentions one way or another regarding LIV 2.0.

Whether the collapse of the law firm representing him has any impact on proceedings remains to be seen, but it's another unwanted distraction in the seemingly never ending legal dealings LIV Golf has to work through.

My 7-iron is my favourite club. It’s my ‘go-to’ for precision. When I hit a basket of balls at the practice ground or warm up in the net before I play, I’ll always hit it. There’s just something about this club that gives me confidence. It feels effortless and easy to use.

It was the one club I chose when Golf Monthly asked me to write about the experiment of playing a whole round of golf with just one iron and a putter.

Like many of us, it was also the first ever club I hit when I was a beginner. My dad bought me a second-hand set of irons when I started playing golf as a teenager and I always took the 7-iron to the practice ground with me when I was taking lessons and learning. So it became my practice companion, and as a consequence of the years and years of repeatedly hitting it when I started out, it’s now my most-trusted club.

We all obsess about the distance our driver goes but this season I’ve become obsessed with the carry distance of my 7-iron. It all started when I went for a custom-fit with PXG back in the spring and the fitter, by switching shafts and handing me a head with more modern tech, was able to boost my 7-iron carry distance by nearly twenty yards.

When I had to revert to my old set (because it was cost-prohibitive for me to afford the PXG irons) I couldn’t help but notice the shortfall of my own 7-iron, especially playing county golf in match week for Dorset.

At the second hole, a par-3 measuring 151 yards, nearly every opponent I played against was hitting a 7-iron into it. Not me. I needed a 5-iron, and I hated it. Not just because my 5-iron is the hardest club to hit that I carry in my bag. But because I realised that at the elite handicap level (scratch or better) I should be hitting my irons further - in-line with everyone else.

It got me looking into the statistical averages, offered by data capture specialists Shot Scope. Did you know that there’s a staggering 51 yards between the distance that a scratch handicapper hits their 7-iron (average 149 yards) and a 30-handicap hits their 7-iron (average 98 yards). In golfing terms this is so critical to accuracy and scoring. The shorter the club you hit in, the easier and the more accurate you will be.

The typical tour player hits it even further. World Number One Nelly Korda will carry her 7-iron an incredible 154-yards. But how many of you actually know how far you hit your 7-iron? If you don’t then you are missing out on some vital information that could help you improve.

According to Shot Scope’s data, the average female amateur golfer hits their 7-iron 119 yards, but how does that relate to your handicap index bracket specifically? Below are the average carry distances for players ranging from scratch to a 30-handicap, when hitting their 7-iron:

Women's 7-Iron Distance

Data from Shot Scope users (yards)

Average Distance

Scratch

149

5-handicap

138

10-handicap

126

15-handicap

119

20-handicap

107

25-handicap

103

30-handicap

98

037.575112.5150

Average Distance Data

Product	Value
Scratch	149
5-handicap	138
10-handicap	126
15-handicap	119
20-handicap	107
25-handicap	103
30-handicap	98

Analysing the data, as you might expect, better players carry their 7-iron further than high-handicappers, with scratch golfers averaging 149 yards. For reference, that’s similar to the distance that the average 20-handicapper carries a 3-wood, which highlights the role that improved ball striking and, therefore, distance plays in cutting your handicap.

Put simply, if you can increase your 7-iron carry distance you’re going to lower your scores. It’s now my goal this winter. I’m going to stop fixating over my lack of length off the tee and forget about crunching drivers endlessly on the range. Instead, I’m going to work on my swing technique using my trusty 7-iron, the one club I can hit consistently, and see if I can boost that carry distance number up

Here’s the scenario: You’ve been playing nicely in a stroke play tournament and your score is ticking along promisingly.

Then, on a testing par-4, you blast one into the gorse bushes lining the right-hand side of the hole. It’s gone in there deep.

No panic – you have plenty of shots left to play with against your handicap, so you reach into your bag, dig out another ball and state that you are playing a provisional.

The “second serve” is a beauty – straight down the middle and leaving a straightforward shot to the green. You could still save a bogey from there.

As you and the other players in your group are walking off the tee. You say, “that first one is lost. A goner.” You’re happy enough about that as there’s no way you’d be able to take a two-club length lateral drop out of the bushes and the back-in-the-line option is non-existent.

You walk on towards your provisional, readying yourself for your fourth shot. But, looking behind you, one of your partners is rooting about in the gorse bushes.

“Don’t bother,” you shout, “That one’s lost.” ... No reply – they continue looking.

Then after a minute or so, they call to you – “Found it. … You’re not going to like it!”

What happens now? You thought you had declared your first ball lost...

Well, under The Rules of Golf, you cannot actually “declare” a ball to be lost.

A ball is lost if, under Rule 18.2a(1), it is not found in three minutes after a player or their caddie begins to search for it.

If a ball is found before or within that time, it is not lost.

In this instance, as the ball has been found (even though you have chosen not to look for it), and it is within the bounds of the course, it remains the ball in play.

As it’s your original ball, you have four options. Firstly, you could attempt to play it from where it is lying.

Then, the following three options would be under penalty of one shot under the unplayable ball Rule (that's Rule 19).

You could take lateral relief – two club lengths from the spot of the original ball (no closer to the hole).

You could take back-on-the-line relief. – Keeping the spot of the original ball in line with the hole and going back as far as you want.

Or, you could take stroke-and-distance relief and return to the spot from where you played the original ball.

In the imagined scenario you are facing above, it seems you’re not going to like any of those options. No chance to play it or to get out of the bushes with lateral or back-on-the-line relief, so the only one available is to go back to the tee and play again.

You’ve already played a provisional straight down the middle so you’d like to take that… You can’t. Your original ball is the one in play and you must proceed from where it was found.

Your playing partner clearly doesn’t like you very much but they were well within their rights to search for your ball.

You are entitled not to search for your ball and you can ask your playing partners not to bother, but if they choose to do so and find it then you’re going to have to play on from where they locate it.

It happened to Shane Lowry on the 11th hole at Royal Troon on day two of the 2024 Open Championship. Lowry’s second shot headed left out of the thick grass into the gorse bushes lining the left side of the hole, so he played a provisional ball which was struck onto the green.

Following the fine approach with his provisional, Lowry wished to proceed with the provisional ball and attempt a putt for a would-be bogey, however a spectator had already found a ball in the bushes in the area where his original ball may lie. It was his.

He was forced to take a back-on-the-line drop from the original spot, faced a difficult shot and ended with a double bogey.

You do not need to exhaust a three-minute search if you do not wish to find the original ball and to continue play of the hole with your provisional ball. But the provisional ball only becomes the ball in play when you play your next stroke, not when you publicly claim the original is lost or you do not wish to find it.

Rules Quiz

The pursuit of more golfing history is the reason Tiger Woods is being backed to play in the US Senior Open.

We're back in the full swing of wondering when Woods will play again following his latest long-term absence from the game, resulting from injury and that infamous car crash in Florida in March which led to him receiving a five-year driving ban.

The 15-time Major champion hasn't played a professional tourmanent since the 2024 Open Championship but has been spotted making swings on the range at the TGR Junior Invitational at Pebble Beach recently as he prepares for his latest comeback.

Having turned 50, many believe his best route back into full competition is on the PGA Tour Champions and in the senior Majors - with the US Open offering a particular historical significance for Woods.

Next year's US Senior Open Championship at Oak Tree National in June may be a bit soon for Woods if his recovery is slow, but it's also starts 11 days after the end of the regular US Open at Pebble Beach - which will surely be a target for Woods.

Knowing Woods he's likely to feel he can still compete with the young guns in 2027, but he's been tipped to appear at the 2028 edition at Crooked Stick.

USGA’s Chief Championships Officer John Bodenhamer told local outlet WISH-TV News that he expected to see Woods at Crooked Stick in 2028 due to his relentless pursuit of golfing history.

Woods could break a tie with Bobby Jones for the all-time lead on nine USGA national titles, while he could also match Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer by adding the US Senior Open to his CV.

But with Woods also winning the US Junior Amateur, US Amateur and US Open, adding the Senior Open would create a new slice of golfing history as the only man to win all four.

“Tiger understands his legacy," Bodenhamer told the local WISH-TV News. "Bob Jones won nine USGA national championships. Tiger Woods has won nine, and to win that tenth, if he could do it at the US Senior Open, he understands what that means.

“There’s only been two people in the history of our game that have won the US Amateur, the US Open, and the US Senior Open - Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer.

"Tiger’s won the Am and the Open. He’s never won the Senior Open. But Tiger’s also won the Junior Am. He’d be the only one ever to do it.

“So I guess what I’m trying to say is, it’s important to Tiger, and I would expect that he would be here at Crooked Stick.”

Woods is looking to play a full TGL schedule in the upcoming season, while the PNC Championship could be a tournament return spot playing alongside son Charlie.

But for continuing his career in the medium to long term, the senior circuit and senior Majors seem to be the best path should Woods want to keep on competing.

Sunderland has been producing golf clothing for decades and has built a strong reputation for making some of the best golf waterproofs around. The Whisperdry Stealth is one of the brand's most interesting offerings. On paper, it certainly has the credentials to compete with some of the best golf rain jackets on the market, but how does it stack up in practice?

When it comes to golf waterproofs, there are three things I look for above all else. The first, obviously, is the ability to keep me dry. That's non-negotiable, but freedom of movement and breathability are almost as important. There's little point in having a jacket that keeps the rain out if it restricts your swing or - even worse - leaves you feeling hot and uncomfortable after a few holes.

I’m old enough to remember when wearing waterproofs would result in trousers that were just as wet on the inside as they were on the outside. It wasn’t pleasant! Thankfully, technology has come a long way since then and the Whisperdry Stealth is a good example of how modern waterproof clothing combines protection, comfort and practicality. Before I get into the performance, let’s talk a little about the technology.

The Whisperdry Stealth is constructed from 100% recycled polyester, with the fabric produced using yarn derived from 17 recycled plastic bottles. It's an environmentally conscious approach to manufacturing, which is nice to see and is something that more and more brands are thankfully becoming conscious of.

The fabric incorporates four-way stretch technology, which allows it to move freely in all directions, enabling the golfer to swing without restriction of movement. It also has a soft-touch finish designed to minimize the rustling noise that can sometimes be an irritating feature of waterproof clothing, particularly during the backswing. This will be more important to some golfers than others, but for the record it is certainly ‘quiet’.

It's available in six color options, with the Pine Green variant I tested being my favorite of the six. The gunmetal/black option is very nice too though I must say.

In terms of weather protection, the Whisperdry Stealth boasts an 8,000mm waterproof rating as well as fully sealed seams that prevent moisture from penetrating through the stitching. Waterproof lock-down zippers provide additional protection around the front opening and pockets. The fabric incorporates a PFC-free water-repellent finish that encourages water to bead on the surface rather than soak into the outer material.

There are plenty of other thoughtful touches, too. The high collar features a soft fleece lining for additional comfort and warmth around the neck, while adjustable anti-snag Velcro cuffs allow golfers to customize the fit around their wrists. An adjustable hem incorporates a hidden toggle system, with drawcord adjusters accessible through the pockets.

In terms of how it performed on the course, the first thing that stood out was just how lightweight it feels. Sunderland has clearly placed a great deal of emphasis on keeping weight to a minimum, but with that in mind I would say this jacket is more suited to golf in milder conditions. You can wear it in winter but you’d need to layer up underneath, whereas with some other, more robust jackets you can get away with less layering.

The four-way stretch fabric does an excellent job of allowing freedom of movement during the swing. I never felt restricted in any way, while the soft material is noticeably quieter than some waterproof jackets I've worn previously and has very little 'rustle'.

Of course, the most important consideration with any waterproof jacket is how well it performs when the heavens open. An 8,000mm waterproof rating might not sound quite as impressive as the figures offered by some considerably more expensive jackets, but it's enough, particularly when combined with fully sealed seams and waterproof zippers.

Most of my on-course testing took place in light rain that was often little more than drizzle, so I didn't get the opportunity to see how the Whisperdry Stealth performed during a prolonged downpour on the golf course. However, I've also been wearing the jacket regularly on my evening walks, and the recent storms here in the UK provided the perfect opportunity to put its waterproof credentials to the test. I ventured out in some truly miserable conditions and the jacket performed admirably. Water beaded nicely on the surface and rolled off, while I remained completely dry underneath. A good thermal layer undeneath is a must though.

A waterproof jacket that folds into its left hand pocket is particularly useful during the warmer months, when you might only need protection for a passing shower. It’s pretty easy to fold away and doesn’t take up much room in a golf bag, which is especially handy for golfers who travel light and carry their bag as opposed to using a trolley or cart. It’s also small enough to throw in a rucksack if you’re out walking or doing any other outdoor activity.

All in all, the Sunderland Whisperdry Stealth has a lot going for it, particularly for golfers who prioritize lightweight comfort and freedom of movement. Its combination of four-way stretch, quiet fabric and practical weatherproofing features are all big plus points, while the lifetime waterproof fabric guarantee provides additional reassurance.

I think it represents good value for money too. There are more substantial jackets that are better suited to winter golf and require less layering underneath, but if you're happy to layer up when temperatures drop and want something lightweight enough for summer showers, the Whisperdry Stealth is an excellent all-round option that I'd happily recommend.

Mention Ping and my mind immediately turns to classic putters, beautiful irons and some of the most forgiving drivers of recent years. Waterproof clothing? Yeah, not so much. At least, that was the case until I got my hands on the AquaDrive Pro jacket.

Having tested a range of Ping apparel at Golf Monthly's winter testing day, I've come away seriously impressed by the brand's clothing range. The AquaDrive Pro jacket and pants were particular standouts, and after putting the jacket through its paces both on and off the course in recent weeks, it's clear that Ping's expertise extends well beyond golf clubs.

The AquaDrive Pro is the brand’s most technically advanced waterproof jacket to date, incorporating SensorDry technology and boasting some seriously impressive performance figures. It offers a waterproof rating of 30,000mm alongside a breathability rating of 40,000g/m², making it one of the most technically accomplished garments in Ping's extensive waterproof range.

One of the jacket's most interesting features is its zoned construction. The main body uses a three-layer waterproof ripstop fabric, designed to provide durability and protection against the elements. This is complemented by strategically positioned three-layer stretch-knit panels across the upper back and underarms, allowing greater flexibility in areas where golfers need it most during the swing.

As with most of the best waterproof jackets, the AquaDrive Pro is fully seam-sealed to prevent water entering through the stitching, while a two-way waterproof front zipper provides additional protection and versatility. Two laser-cut waterproof zipped pockets offer secure storage, and adjustable cuffs feature molded grip fastenings and bonded elastic sections to ensure a comfortable fit around the wrists.

An adjustable shock-cord hem helps keep wind and rain out, while subtle Ping branding completes the understated appearance. The jacket (available in black or navy) is constructed from 100% polyester and comes with a five-year waterproof warranty.

But how did it perform? Well, I have played two rounds of golf in the AquaDrive Pro jacket - one in heavy wind, rain and mud at Berrington Hall, St Helens, and the other on a fairly mild, mostly dry day at Hurlston Hall, Scarisbrick. I’ve also worn the jacket to a number of night sessions at the driving range as well as on my regular evening walks, often in the rain. I was impressed with the performance in all situations.

One of the first things I noticed on the course was how little the jacket interfered with my swing. The stretch panels do an excellent job of allowing natural movement and at no point did I feel restricted. Temperature regulation was not a problem either. I’ve worn the jacket over the top of a long-sleeved polo on a mild day, and over a thermal mid-layer when the weather had taken a turn for the worse during the recent storms that hit the UK. (Speaking of layers, why not check out our guides on the best golf mid-layers or best golf vests).

As for its waterproof qualities, I really can't fault this jacket. The conditions at Berrington Hall were particularly unpleasant, with persistent rain and strong winds, but the AquaDrive Pro kept me completely dry throughout the round. Water beads up nicely on the surface of the fabric and simply rolls off, rather than soaking in, and there was no sign of moisture getting through anywhere. Given the jacket's impressive 30,000mm waterproof rating, that's perhaps no surprise, but it's reassuring to see technical specifications translate into such excellent performance out on the course.

The exceptional 40,000g/m² breathability rating no doubt plays a significant part in the jacket's versatility, particularly when temperatures are milder. I never experienced that uncomfortable, clammy feeling that can sometimes accompany wearing waterproof clothing, while in colder conditions it provided an effective barrier against the elements. This balance between weather protection and breathability is a major strength of the AquaDrive Pro and I found it to be comfortable in two very different sets of conditions. In hotter weather I'd probably opt for something lighter, but for most wet-weather golf, the AquaDrive Pro is an excellent choice.

I can’t make up my mind as to whether I like the cuff fasteners or not. Instead of the usual velcro you find on most jackets, Ping has elected to go with folded plastic fasteners. Aesthetically they look great, and once fastened they are very secure. However, it’s considerably more fiddly to operate, particularly when you're already wearing the jacket or have a golf glove on. I do like the elastic in the cuffs though, and the pockets are nice and roomy, which in my experience isn’t always the case with waterproof jackets.

While I can only say positive things about the performance of the AquaDrive Pro, it would be remiss of me not to bring up the price. It is at the top end of the spectrum albeit for a fairly plan looking jacket. For that kind of money I'd probably want something I would wear for day to day use throughout the colder months rather than just on the golf course. However, there’s no denying the performance on offer. Whether that justifies the asking price will depend on your budget and how regularly you play in poor weather.

If you were to draft a dream Scottish links itinerary on the back of a scorecard, chances are it would look like this: Royal Dornoch’s legendary championship course, the coastal brilliance of Nairn, and the modern drama of Castle Stuart at Cabot Highlands.

Now, those three heavyweights of the Scottish game are joining forces to launch what is shaping up to be one of the most lucrative and ambitious events on the UK calendar: the inaugural Highland Golf Links Women’s Pro-Am, scheduled for May 3–5, 2027.

This isn't just another date on the calendar, it’s an elevated, three-day escape. Blending fierce competition with a luxury retreat feel, it puts the pure fun of a women's golf weekend front and centre.

Real Prestige, Real Stakes

Open to 36 teams of four (comprising three amateurs and one professional), the tournament carries a projected professional prize fund of roughly £12,000 for a full field. In the landscape of domestic women’s pro-ams, that’s a serious purse, making it one of the most lucrative women’s pro-ams of its kind in the UK.

For the amateurs teeing it up alongside them, the lure is obvious: three consecutive days tackling world-class layouts in pristine championship condition. Alongside the professional prize fund, teams will compete for significant prizes, with entry including welcome gifts, daily hospitality, nearest-the-pin competitions and amateur and professional sweeps.

The lineup speaks for itself:

Royal Dornoch (Championship Course): Consistently ranked inside the top five courses on the planet, with more than 400 years of golfing heritage carved into the dunes overlooking the Dornoch Firth.

Nairn Golf Club: A masterclass in traditional seaside golf since 1887 and former host of the Curtis Cup, where every single outward hole hugs the shoreline of the Moray Firth.

Castle Stuart Golf Links: A four-time Scottish Open venue where wide fairways, sea views, and infinity greens create pure theatre.

Beyond The 18th Green

Where this event breaks away from the conventional tournament blueprint, however, is its conscious embrace of off-course culture.

“We wanted to create an event that felt like more than simply arriving, playing golf, and heading home,” explains Neil Hampton, General Manager at Royal Dornoch. “The chance to play Dornoch, Nairn, and Castle Stuart is obviously a massive draw, but the Highlands has so much more to offer. We want the women who come to experience the food, the people, the landscape, and everything that makes this corner of Scotland so special.”

That philosophy is woven into the entire week. Partnering with three of the region’s premier boutique hotels - Links House at Royal Dornoch, the Kingsmills Hotel, and Culloden House - the event is actively encouraging players to linger a little longer. The off-course menu reads more like a luxury lifestyle travel feature than a golf tournament itinerary:

• Private tartan design sessions with Highland weaver Prickly Thistle
• Heritage textile discoveries at Johnstons of Elgin
• Wine tastings overlooking the River Ness and single-malt cocktails at Glen Ord Distillery
• Cold-water sea dips and outdoor wood-fired saunas right on the Moray Firth for the brave

The Details

When: May 3–5, 2027 (with optional Sunday practice rounds and a welcome drinks reception on May 2).
Format: 54-hole team Pro-Am (3 amateurs, 1 professional per team).
Field: Strictly limited to 36 teams.
Entry: £3,180 per team (£2,650 + VAT), inclusive of welcome gifts, daily hospitality, sweeps, and on-course competitions.

With women’s participation growing and an increasing appetite for bucket-list golf travel that delivers on quality without sacrificing atmosphere, the Highland Golf Links Women’s Pro-Am isn't just filling a date in the diary, it’s setting a high benchmark for what modern women’s golf events ought to look like.

For further information, visit Highland Golf Links

A red hot putter can be the difference between winning and losing, which is why the world's best practice so much on the greens.

There are multiple factors to being a good putter and, on the PGA Tour, some notable names have found themselves inside the top 10 when it comes to Strokes Gained: Putting.

Prior to the VidantaWorld Mexico Open at the end of October, it's Jacob Bridgeman who is ranked as the top putter on the Tour, gaining 0.757 strokes on the whole circuit.

SG: Putting is used to measure the overall performance of players on the PGA Tour, and is worked out by Shotlink, which has tracked thousands of putts in tournament play to give a baseline of the expected percentage it'll take to hole out from every distance.

In simple terms, SG: Putting is worked by the expected putts from initial distance minus the actual putts taken.

For example, if a player has an eight-foot putt and the average sat at 1.5, it means there's a 50/50 chance of holing it in one go. If the individual did indeed hole the attempt then they gain 0.5 strokes but, if they miss, then they lose 0.5 strokes.

That's just an example and, through the 2026 PGA Tour season, it's Bridgeman who leads those numbers, as the American secured the Genesis Invitational and the Biltmore Championship in an excellent season.

Using his TaylorMade Spider Tour putter, that flatstick has been the most successful throughout the season, earning some significant victories, including Rory McIlroy's defense of The Masters.

Interestingly, the top six players in SG: Putting all use either a TaylorMade or Odyssey model, with Vince Whaley, Alex Noren and Sam Burns all wielding the latter.

Whaley has the Odyssey Ai-One SB #7 in the bag, while Noren uses the O-Works #1W. Burns, meanwhile, has been ranked among the best putters on the PGA Tour for a number of years now and, in 2026, his Ai-One #7 S continues that trend.

AJ Ewart and Scottie Scheffler both use TaylorMade Spider Tour X putters, while the sole Scotty Cameron appearance comes from Denny McCarthy and his GoLo N5 Tour Prototype.

Mallet-style putters feature in Beau Hossler and Seamus Power's set-ups, while Maverick McNealy's Odyssey Toulon Design Prototype is the only blade-style putter in the top 10.

Check out the full stats and putters in the table below...

What Models Do The PGA Tour's Best Putters Use In 2026?

In the November issue of Golf Monthly, we have an exclusive chat with Ryder Cup star Ludvig Aberg about how his swing developed and what we can all learn from his game.

Staying on the instruction side of things, Top 50 Coach Alistair Davies outlines how to play eight short-game shots we all need in our armoury, while Trey Niven helps you eliminate the slice from your game for good.

As for equipment, we feature our big winter gear guide to get you ready for the colder months and test new releases from Ping, Mizuno, Srixon and more.

Elsewhere, we ask if it’s time for a radical rethink on the PGA Tour, question whether the back-to-tee rule needs to go, and test your rules knowledge with our regular quiz.

If all that’s not enough, our courses experts highlight some of the best places you can play across the UK & Ireland.

You can buy the magazine here or subscribe to Golf Monthly to never miss an issue. Click here for more details

The Best Instruction

Our main instruction focus this month is on building an arsenal that will help you get up and down from anywhere. We also help you fix golf's most common fault, the slice, breakdown the greenside bunker shot and much more.

Ludvig Aberg Exclusive

Top 50 Coach Ged Walters speaks to Swedish superstar Ludvig Aberg about how his swing has evolved and what we can learn from his approach to the game.

Winter Gear Guide

From thermal base layers to all-weather gloves, discover the vital gear to keep you warm, dry and swinging freely all winter long.

Does The PGA Tour Need A Radical Rethink?

Nick Bonfield is normally an avid watcher of the PGA Tour, but his enthusiasm for the circuit is at an all-time low. He argues change is badly needed.

A Golf Day With A Difference

Mark Townsend joined 77 other ‘Marks’ for a fun-packed, world record-breaking fundraiser for Prostate Cancer UK at Royal Blackheath Golf Club.

End Of An Era

After 45 years as club professional at St Enodoc in Cornwall, Nick Williams has just retired. Here, he reflects on his experiences with Fergus Bisset.

The Best Courses You Can Play

Our course experts travel up and down the UK and beyond to bring you the best places to play in the coming year. This month, we visit two Scottish newcomers that seem certain to garner worldwide acclaim, travel to Turkey's newest course, tour Ireland's Drumlin counties and more.

Known for producing some of the best putters money can buy, Odyssey's new range of TRTL putters are already receiving the attention of many on the top circuits.

The likes of Min Woo Lee, Si Woo Kim and Nicolai Hojgaard have already put the new flatsticks in the bag throughout 2026 and all the crucial information on the brand new mallet-range has been revealed.

Odyssey has used Ai in its former Ai-One and Ai-Dual models and, in the TRTL line of putters, it possesses a brand new Ai-Star insert.

This insert has a dual layer construction that combines the premium materials of urethane and aluminum to deliver consistent ball speed across the face and improve forward roll while enhancing feel.

Along with the Ai-Star insert, Odyssey has also included a new Forward Roll Design groove that is deeper and more aggressive with a 19° slope.

Working in conjunction with the dual layer design, this once again helps improve forward roll up and down the face.

In terms of the four TRTL models available, there is the DB, the S, the CH and the Max S2S, with all suiting different putting stroke requirements.

A few things that they all have in common, though, is a new Twin Track enhanced alignment on the crown, a multi-material construction that contains a steel body and a lightweight aerospace-grade aluminum belly, as well as four sole weights positioned in each corner of the putter.

Odyssey went through various designs of putter before settling on the final product, moving the shell of the club forward so that the alignment line sat on the leading edge of the putter.

Speaking of the alignment on the crown, Odyssey also trialed a number of iterations before deciding on the Twin Track system.

On the green shell, you will find a bold, thick white line with a continuous dark line running through the middle of it. This will especially help players with their start line.

Rounding out the technology story of this putter is the MOI, one of the key aspects for performance.

Because the TRTL putters are crafted from lightweight materials, Odyssey's engineers have been able to push the weight to the perimeter of the putter for greater stability and forgiveness.

What's more, a lot of time and effort has gone into the sole, which sits flush to the ground via the refined rake and camber, which work together when it comes to positioning the putter comfortably at address.

Combine the camber with the four weights positioned on the four corners, and it means the center of gravity (CG) can be moved towards the front, rear, heel or toe, therefore fine tuning the amount of toe hang the putter has and aiding the putting stroke.

The Odyssey TRTL range has already been released in Japan and, such is the success of the putter line, the four models available have become the four best selling putters in the country.

Now being released in Europe and the US, you can expect the TRTL putters to hit retailers on November 6th, with the prices and model specs listed below...

Odyssey TRTL Putter Prices

• TRTL S: $349.99/£299/€399
• TRTL DB: $349.99/£299/€399
• TRTL CH: $349.99/£299/€399
• TRTL Max S2S: $399.99/£329/€439

Odyssey TRTL Putter Specs

Odyssey TRTL S: The TRTL S has a short slant hosel and will suit those who have a slight arc in their stroke with some face rotation.

Odyssey TRTL DB: The TRTL DB has a double bend hosel and will suit those who have a straight-back, straight-through, putting stroke with minimal face rotation.

Odyssey TRTL CH: The TRTL DB has a plumber's neck hosel and will suit those who have moderate-to-significant face rotation and arc.

Odyssey TRTL Max S2S: The TRTL Max S2S stands for square-2-square and is a zero-torque design that encourages a straight-back, straight-through stroke, keeping the face square through impact.

I'll just come out and say it - I genuinely feel like the Odyssey TRTL (pronounced ‘Turtle’) is going to be the brand's most popular release in years. Ever since seeing the prototypes of these putters at the start of the year, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on one and put it through its paces.

The TaylorMade Spider franchise has really taken a dominant stance in the putter world over the past couple of years, racking up numerous major championships and professional wins across both the men's and the women's game, but I’ve got a sneaky feeling the appropriately named TRTL could be here to chase all the spiders away.

The tour momentum behind this putter is already evident. Min Woo Lee has been gaming a prototype since February, and it clearly paid off, propelling him to a T-4 finish in the FedEx Cup in 2026.

The TRTL ($349/£299) is Odyssey's latest mallet putter design, and the name's inspiration is fairly obvious when you look down at it. It’s a large enough shape to offer confidence to those who need it over those nervy three-footers, yet sleek and compact enough that tour pros have given it the nod of approval.

At address, the new Twin Track alignment system provides comprehensive aim assist and is perfect if you're like me and prefer long, uninterrupted lines to set up with. Plus, this putter sits incredibly flush to the ground thanks to the camber on the sole - just another thing that helps you aim the putter well.

I got my hands on the 'S' (Short Slant) model for testing, which gives a bit more toe hang and fits my slightly arced stroke perfectly. One of the first things I noticed was the incredibly responsive feel through impact. This is largely down to the new Ai-Star insert, a dual-layer face design, created through the same Artificial Intelligence that designed the Ai-One smart face.

The Ai-Star insert boasts an aluminum inner layer paired with a firmer urethane outer surface to help deliver really consistent ball speeds. This was something I noticed straight away during my testing, and being someone who’s traditionally favoured a milled putter, I found it particularly easy to control the pace on longer putts.

The new F.R.D. (Forward Roll Design) grooves also played a big part in that and got the ball rolling extremely quickly across the putting surface. However, it’s these grooves that bring me to my only real complaint about the TRTL putter. Debris seems to get lodged in those deep grooves fairly easily, particularly on a dewy morning or after it has rained, which could cause a putt to fall short of the target if the face was not cleaned perfectly.

Aside from that minor issue, I loved getting familiar with the TRTL putter, and the design of the putter as a whole is both aesthetically pleasing and was also created with performance in mind.

It uses a combination of a steel body with a slick black PVD finish, a lightweight ABS shell, and an aerospace-grade aluminum sole. This setup let the clever people over at the Odyssey R&D team push all that weight to the perimeter for massive MOI and forgiveness gains.

I also love the fact that there is adjustable perimeter weighting. Having four distinct weights in the corners means you can easily mess around with the CG and tweak the toe hang to match your specific stroke. Of course, you’d be best consulting your local PGA Professional or fitter to know how to best amend the putter for your stroke.

While I personally love the S slant model, there are some other great options in the TRTL lineup like the DB (Double Bend) and CH (Crank Hosel). If you’re a zero-torque convert or have been thinking about it and love the TRTL design, fear not, because there is also a Square 2 Square (S2S) model, which I think looks great with its short sight line.

All in all, I think Odyssey has seriously delivered with the TRTL range, and I think these will quickly be regarded as some of the best putters on the market. While the Spider may be on top for now, I think 2027 could be the year when the battle for supremacy becomes more even.

Charlie Woods added another feather to his cap on Tuesday, as the son of 15-time Major champion, Tiger Woods, earned medalist honors by winning the individual aspect of the Florida Boys Golf State Championship.

Not only did the 17-year-old earn medalist honors, but his two-under-par round of 69 helped lead Benjamin School to a convincing 15-shot win over Oxbridge Academy.

The day wasn't without its drama, though, as Woods was forced to hole a 40-foot putt on the very last hole to edge the individual title over his fellow teammate, Brooks Colton, at Champions Club at Summerfield in Stuart.

Benjamin School had seen pressure from both Oxbridge Academy and King's Academy, but a back nine charge meant the former ended two-over-par in the team event, well clear of the nearest challengers.

Defending their title from 12 months ago, Woods and his teammates now move on to the Regional stages next week, where they will hope to make the State Championship in mid-November.

This will be the main aim for the American, who helped lead his Benjamin School team to a second Florida Class 1A State Championship in three years back in 2025.

Speaking about his side's District victory, coach Toby Harbeck stated: "We got two good rounds out of Charlie and Brooks.

"Charlie made a 40-foot putt on the last hole to win the individual title. Charlie shot a 69 and Brooks shot a 70. That's what you want out of your No. 1 and No. 2.

"It (the course) played really hard, long, and windy and rainy. It was everything. So, I'm very pleased. You're trying to move on each week and get to the finals, so that's what we did. We've got to keep going forward."

Attention won't just be on the Regional and State Championships but, for Charlie, potentially the PNC Championship.

Both Charlie and Tiger have played in the family event multiple times and, for 2026, a place in the tournament has reportedly been held for the father-son pair, with it taking place December 14-17th.

The final launch of a busy 2026 for Blue Tees has arrived: an affordable, portable launch monitor designed to take your practice sessions to the next level while complementing your existing Blue Tees gear.

The Rainmaker completes the Blue Tees ecosystem, which already includes the Captain Pro and Captain Air laser rangefinders alongside the Player Pro GPS speaker. Shot data captured by the Rainmaker transfers directly to your rangefinder, dialing in your yardages for each club and delivering tailored on-course club recommendations - more on this shortly.

Before diving into the wider ecosystem, it is worth looking at the unit on its own merit, as it is a serious new contender for the title of best cheap golf launch monitor. It could even enter the conversation as one of the best budget golf simulators on the market, doubling as an accessible home setup once synced to the companion app.

So, what do you get for your $600/£600? To start, more than 20 real-time metrics, including carry distance, clubhead speed, ball speed, smash factor, spin rate, and angle of attack. What truly sets the Rainmaker apart from the competition is the built-in LCD display, which shows your numbers directly on the unit without forcing you to consult a phone, tablet, or laptop after every shot.

The device remains genuinely portable and ships with a high-quality carry case. While it technically fits inside an apparel pocket on a golf bag, its weight (719g plus the case) and size mean you probably will not want to haul it around for a full 18 holes.

Unpack the case and you find a clean unit with an adjustable stand that is simple to set up, complemented by a detachable magnetic remote for menu navigation. The Rainmaker carries an IPX4 water-resistance rating, meaning it easily shrugs off light rain or morning dew, though you will want to pack it away during steady downpours. It also features integrated simulator compatibility, connecting with both E6 Connect and GSPro for indoor play. This is without doubt one of the best portable launch monitors on the market as a result thanks to the versatility on offer.

It gets even better if you already use Blue Tees hardware. Having tested both the Captain Pro and Captain Air rangefinders earlier this year, pairing either model with the Rainmaker significantly elevates the experience.

Through the Blue Tees app, you create a central hub for your swing data. Every shot hit on the range with the Rainmaker feeds into your profile, mapping precise carry distances for every club in the bag.

Sync your rangefinder to the app and you can pull this data in real time on the course to receive personalized club recommendations (see our Captain Pro review for a deeper breakdown). The same integration extends to the Player Pro GPS speaker.

The result is a continuous loop that acts like a digital caddie tailored to your evolving game. Pick up a new driver that carries 15 yards further than your old one? Put in a session with the Rainmaker and your on-course yardages update automatically. Connected ecosystems are increasingly popular across golf tech, with brands like Garmin setting the benchmark, but Blue Tees has carved out a compelling, budget-friendly alternative.

As with any entry-level launch monitor, expectations around data accuracy need managing. There is a reason a TrackMan setup runs well into five figures: tracking every parameter with radar-verified accuracy is difficult. Budget units capture a handful of core metrics and calculate the remainder using internal algorithms. If the unit misreads spin rate, secondary calculations, particularly on wedge shots, can drift.

During testing at the Royal County Down practice grounds, shorter clubs produced occasional outliers. Pitching wedge carries registered up to 10 yards longer than reality on select strikes, though these misreads were fairly infrequent. Through the mid-irons and into the driver, accuracy improved noticeably.

Context matters here: Royal County Down's practice range uses standard Callaway range balls. Switching to an indoor net with premium Titleist Pro V1 balls yielded markedly tighter, more consistent figures. As a rule of thumb, feeding the Rainmaker higher-grade golf balls will directly improve the accuracy of its feedback.

The Rainmaker features three distinct modes: Practice, for standard range work; Speed, for speed-training drills; and Target Distance, which gamifies practice by challenging you to hit exact carry windows.

While the monitor works as a standalone screen, it truly flexes its muscle once paired with the LAUNCH app. Setting up your virtual bag takes a few minutes - you must log the make, model and loft of each club - but the investment pays off in tracking accuracy. Practice mode renders full 3D ball flights, which proves particularly useful when hitting into a net.

The unit also caches up to 1,000 shots internally when running offline, syncing them seamlessly once reconnected to the LAUNCH app for long-term tracking and visualization. While the early Blue Tees app left room for improvement during my Blue Tees rangefinder testing, the LAUNCH platform shows how much Blue Tees can improve its apps in such a short period of time.

At $600/£600, the Rainmaker delivers exceptional value for money. Keep in mind that unlocking full app utility requires an ongoing $79 annual subscription after the complimentary first year, though this remains noticeably cheaper than competing brands and their subscriptions.

Ultimately, value hinges on your usage. For golfers logging regular range sessions and pairing the unit with a Blue Tees rangefinder or speaker, joining the wider ecosystem makes a great deal of sense. Even with a few rogue data points on short wedges, the Rainmaker raises the bar for accessible launch monitors, providing a highly capable practice tool for both indoor and outdoor practice.