Today in Golf

On Tuesday, December 30th, 2025, we break down Tiger’s injury-riddled milestone, DeChambeau’s contract leverage, and the cancellation of The Sentry.TIGER AT 50Tiger is officially Champions Tour eligible today, but the celebration is bittersweet. After missing the entire 2025 season with a ruptured Achilles and back surgery No. 7, the "Senior Tour" debut is on indefinite hold."I’m ready for twenty-five events," Woods joked sarcastically regarding his future schedule.Matt Kuchar notes the reality: Tiger’s goal has shifted from dominance to simple participation.BRYSON’S LEVERAGE PLAYWith Brooks Koepka leaving LIV, Bryson DeChambeau is flexing his leverage. He claims he doesn't need the league—or pro golf—to survive financially, putting pressure on contract negotiations."I could just do YouTube golf and be totally fine," Bryson said, citing his 2.5 million subscribers.The threat highlights the shifting power dynamic between traditional play and digital content.TOUR CONFESSIONS & CLASHESScottie Scheffler goes existential, admitting that winning doesn't fulfill "the deepest places of your heart," even as TGL trademarks "Texas Golf Club" just to accommodate his travel preferences.Xander Schauffele pushes back against Rory McIlroy, noting a "class divide" regarding penalties for returning LIV players.The locker room remains split between the protected elites and those fighting for their cards.Quick HitsThe Sentry cancelled (Maui drought) • Yuvraj Sandhu earns DP World Tour card • Billy Horschel’s 37ft eagle wins it for Atlanta (TGL)

On December 28th, 2025, we debate the steep penalties required for Brooks Koepka’s PGA Tour return, analyze LIV’s aggressive strategy regarding player fines, and celebrate Tiger Woods’ milestone birthday.THE KOEPKA DEBATEThe fallout from Brooks Koepka’s departure from LIV intensifies as Brandel Chamblee demands re-qualification to avoid a "corrosive precedent," while Bryson DeChambeau argues that granting special exemptions creates a dangerous "slippery slope" for the Tour.Quote: "Forgiveness without cost is not reconciliation it is erasure." — Brandel Chamblee.Human Angle: Anthony Kim offers a rare reflection on his past, expressing regret over the poor work ethic that defined his prime.LIV HARDBALL & TIGER AT 50LIV Golf has officially stopped paying fines for stars like Jon Rahm to the DP World Tour to force a settlement before 2026, a move that puts Rahm’s appearance at Adare Manor in serious jeopardy.Stat: Jon Rahm is now at risk of losing eligibility for the 2027 Ryder Cup.Fun Fact: We recount the bizarre story of the 2002 Rabbi Marc Gellman curse as Tiger Woods turns 50.Quick HitsJT out of TGL Season 2 with back injury • Motor City GC eyeing Scheffler for 2027 • Chamblee ranks Hogan’s swing over Tiger’s • John Daly misses the 90s "social golfer"

On this Saturday, December 27th, 2025, we analyze the fallout of Brooks Koepka leaving LIV Golf, honor the legendary Jumbo Ozaki, and debate the end of the blade putter era.THE COLD HARD REALITYWe dive into the shockwaves of Brooks Koepka leaving LIV Golf. Leaning on analysis from The Athletic’s Brody Miller, we discuss how Koepka "never bought in" to the team format, viewing the league as a transaction rather than an ideological shift.The Reality Check: Koepka is now in limbo and cannot return to the PGA Tour until August 2026.The Takeaway: It wasn't a revolution for Brooks; it was just business.TRIBUTE TO A LEGENDWe pay our respects to Masashi "Jumbo" Ozaki, the "Arnold Palmer of Japan," who passed away at 78. We recount his incredible transition from professional baseball pitcher to a global golf icon who racked up 113 professional wins worldwide.The Stat: 113 victories across a storied career.The Legacy: He didn't just play the game; he popularized it for an entire nation.TIGER TALES & TECH FAILSLanny Wadkins airs his grievances over his PNC Championship snub while predicting Tiger Woods will play the Champions Tour 10-12 times a year to keep pace with Charlie. Plus, we break down Tiger’s shocking 82-yard miss in the TGL simulator.The Quote: Lanny believes Tiger needs the reps to "keep up with Charlie during college."Fun Fact: Even the GOAT isn't immune to simulator glitches.Quick HitsThe death of the blade putter • Rabbi Gellman’s curse on Tiger • Jay Haas’s unbreakable cut record

We break down the fallout of Brooks Koepka’s shock departure from LIV Golf, the PGA Tour’s calculated response, and the changing of the guard at Smash GC.THE RETURN OF BROOKSBrooks Koepka is officially leaving LIV after the 2025 season, but the real story is the PGA Tour’s lightning-fast 23-minute statement—a sign that CEO Brian Rolapp likely has the welcome mat ready despite the sit-out policy.Hank Haney didn’t mince words on the impact, calling the loss of the five-time major winner an "impossible to sugarcoat" blow to the rebel league’s credibility.On the home front, Jena Sims took to Instagram to poll fans on gift wrapping, a subtle signal that the Koepka family is looking to settle back into a "normal" life in Jupiter.NEWS & NOTESTalor Gooch has been named the 2026 Captain of Smash GC, raising valid questions about whether his elite ball-striking can replace Koepka’s massive commercial appeal for the franchise.The golf world mourns two significant losses: Japanese legend Masashi "Jumbo" Ozaki at 78, and the tragic passing of Jake Knapp’s girlfriend, Makena White.Charles Barkley reveals he is addicted to the grind—playing seven days a week—and relies on a specific swing thought from Justin Thomas: "Tee the ball low and squeeze down."Quick HitsWesley Bryan’s awkward Christmas card • Jon Rahm’s snowy shorts • TGL Opener (Dec 28)

We break down Brooks Koepka’s shock decision to leave LIV Golf for family reasons, the heartbreaking retirement of Mito Pereira, and the arcade-style changes coming to TGL Season Two.THE SMASH GC SHAKEUPBrooks Koepka and LIV Golf have mutually agreed to part ways following the 2025 season. The decision stems from personal reasons following a family tragedy, paving the way for Talor Gooch to take over as Smash GC Captain in 2026.The PGA Tour released a statement subtly noting the stability of their "competitive environment."A somber shift in priorities for the Koepka family following a difficult year.MITO HANGS THEM UPAt just 30 years old, Mito Pereira has announced his retirement from professional golf following his relegation from LIV. Citing severe burnout, the Chilean star leaves the game three years after his infamous collapse at Southern Hills.Pereira stated his primary goal is simply "finding peace back in Chile."A stark reminder of the mental toll the game takes on its rising stars.TGL SEASON TWOThe league returns with Atlanta Drive GC vs. New York Golf Club, unveiling a pivot to "arcade golf" featuring the new Agustin Piza-designed "Stinger" hole. Tiger Woods (back) and Justin Thomas (hip) are both out due to surgery.Despite the injury, Woods will maintain a "mic'd up non-playing role" on the bench.The format shift signals a move toward pure entertainment while the icons heal.MCILROY 25Sky Sports is set to release a documentary chronicling Rory’s historic 2025 campaign, covering the Triple Crown of his career: the elusive Masters victory, the Irish Open win, and the Away Ryder Cup triumph.Rory is quoted in the film admitting he "doubted if this moment would ever happen again."Quick HitsSky Sports extends PGA Tour deal to 2029 • Justin Rose secures 2026 Masters invite • Anthony Kim spotted at LIV Q School • Lee Trevino doesn't want to "caddie for Arnie" in the afterlife

We break down Mito Pereira’s stunning exit from professional golf, the chaotic race for the final Masters invites, and the big money moves shaking up the LIV offseason.MITO HANGS IT UPMito Pereira shocks the golf world by announcing his retirement at age 30 following his relegation from LIV Golf, citing severe burnout and a desire to return to life in Chile.The decision comes after a lingering collarbone injury and admits the shadow of his heartbreaking collapse at the 2022 PGA Championship never fully faded.A somber reminder of the mental toll of the tour, as Pereira chooses peace at home over the grind of Q-School.LIV’S HOT STOVEAfter failing to land Si Woo Kim for the new South Korean "Becko East" franchise, LIV Golf makes an aggressive pivot in the transfer market.The league has reportedly extended an eight-figure offer to World No. 32 Max Greyserman to replace Ben Campbell on the RangeGoats.Si Woo Kim remains on the PGA Tour, explicitly citing his desire to chase Presidents Cup legacy over the guaranteed payday.THE MASTERS CUTOFFThe final OWGR push for Augusta delivers drama as Ryan Gerard clutches a runner-up finish in Mauritius to secure spot #46, while Sam Stevens squeezes in at #50.Heartbreak for Taylor Pendrith, who finishes the year at #51, missing the automatic invite by a fraction of a point.Michael Brennan continues his meteoric rise from the Americas tour to book his ticket to the 2026 Masters.TGL SEASON 2Tiger Woods transitions to a non-playing captain role following disc replacement surgery, with Tom Kim noting the immense pressure Tiger is placing on the team to win.The SoFi Center reveals significant venue tweaks, including flattened bunkers, larger greens, and new audio feeds for the broadcast.Quick HitsJT misses Rahm at Riv • Paige Spiranac steps back from socials • Rory’s 18 club memberships