Planet Golf News for Monday, January 27, 2025

TGL founders Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy competing against each other for first time tonight | Lydia Ko recalls historic season in wake of Lake Nona victory to kick-start 2024 | This week: Pebble Beach | Alejandro del Rey lands maiden title with four-shot win in DP World Tour

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PGN News Team
January 27, 2025

Monday, January 27, 2025

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Today’s Top Golf News in Three Minutes

Good Morning,

Ah, golf—where the serene clash of skill and precision somehow churns out enough drama to make even reality TV look tame. This past week in the golfiverse (yes, I’m making that a word), we’ve had it all: triumphant first-time winners, tech-infused chaos, and even a heartwarming tale or two. So grab your metaphorical driver, and let’s tee off.

Alejandro Del Rey decided that “maiden victory” doesn’t mean “barely squeaking by” and absolutely crushed the DP World Tour’s Ras Al Khaimah Championship. A bogey-free 66? Finishing at 22 under par? That’s not just a win; that’s domination. England’s Marcus Armitage tried to keep up, but four shots back is the golfing equivalent of trying to sprint after a Ferrari. Del Rey’s victory wasn’t just a career milestone—it was a reminder to the rest of the field that Spain isn’t done producing top-tier talent. Somewhere, Seve is probably grinning.

Over in the glitzy world of the PGA Tour, the 2025 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am is gearing up to debut some of golf’s biggest names. Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler, and Jordan Spieth are among the headliners in a field so stacked it should come with its own warning label. The $20 million purse and Pebble Beach backdrop? Chef’s kiss. Spieth, back from wrist surgery, is the ultimate wildcard. Will he bring back the magic, or just a lot of “what if” moments? Either way, the drama will be as picturesque as the 18th hole.

Meanwhile, the Tiger Woods-Rory McIlroy-backed TGL continues its quest to revolutionize golf… or confuse the heck out of everyone. With simulators, shot clocks, and something called “the hammer,” it feels like golf decided to cosplay as esports. The league has potential but needs to calm down on the chaos, according to veteran broadcasters Peter Kostis and Gary McCord. Woods and McIlroy are slated to face off soon, though, so if nothing else, the star power might just save the ratings. If not, there’s always TikTok golf, right?

On the LPGA side, Lydia Ko is ready to defend her title at the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions. The event’s unique mix of pro golfers and celebs is always entertaining. Blake Griffin on a golf course? Sign me up. With Ko and big names like Nelly Korda and Brooke Henderson in the mix, this tournament will set the tone for the LPGA’s 2025 season. Plus, there’s something undeniably fun about watching celebs pretend they can hang with the pros.

And then there’s Sergio Garcia, whose DP World Tour return has been delayed because, well, drama. Add another suspension to his record and a hefty fine, and you’ve got a golfer who’s either very determined or just really unlucky. Speaking of rules, the USGA finally updated a rule to allow for replacing cracked clubs mid-round. Matt Fitzpatrick, whose broken driver famously caused a meltdown last year, is probably clapping—but only a little, because where was this when he needed it?

Lastly, Davis Love III is on the mend after heart surgery, Harris English is back to winning and celebrating with his toddler, and Zach Johnson’s caddie delivered a masterclass in “don’t heckle my boss.” Golf may be a gentleman’s game, but even gentlemen have limits.

Whether it’s high-stakes tournaments, chaotic innovation, or good ol’ fashioned caddie-versus-heckler drama, this past week proved one thing: golf is never boring. Okay, maybe sometimes. But not this past week.

Today’s Top Golf News 

DP World Tour: Alejandro Del Rey claims maiden title with Ras Al Khaimah Championship victory

Alejandro Del Rey achieved the biggest victory of his career by winning the DP World Tour’s Ras Al Khaimah Championship with a four-shot lead, finishing the tournament at 22 under par after a bogey-free final round of 66. Del Rey maintained control throughout the event, extending his lead with early birdies and ultimately outpacing England's Marcus Armitage, who finished as the runner-up. The competition saw notable performances, including a round-of-the-day 65 from David Puig, while Del Rey expressed his joy at finally breaking through after a period of struggle in his career.

5 Biggest PGA Tour Stars Making Their Season Debut at AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am 2025, Ranked

The 2025 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am will see the season debut of several prominent PGA Tour players, including Min Woo Lee, Tommy Fleetwood, Jordan Spieth, Rory McIlroy, and Scottie Scheffler. The tournament, recognized as a Signature Event, features a competitive field of 80 of the world's best golfers and offers a substantial $20 million purse. As past champions and rising stars prepare to compete, there is much anticipation surrounding who will emerge victorious, especially given that some top players have yet to make their appearances in the tournament.

'Utter chaos': Is TGL working? Here's what 2 veteran broadcasters think

TGL, the new tech-infused simulator golf league backed by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, has sparked varied opinions just three weeks into its debut. Veteran broadcasters Peter Kostis and Gary McCord shared their thoughts, noting the potential of the league while also highlighting its chaotic nature, particularly criticizing the lack of context during the broadcasts. Despite an initial increase in viewership, which peaked during Woods' debut, ratings have since dropped, leading to speculation about the league's future and the need for adjustments to enhance viewer engagement.

Exclusive: Sergio Garcia reveals DP World Tour return pushed back after extended ban

Sergio Garcia's return to the DP World Tour is delayed until early July due to an added tournament suspension, impacting his Ryder Cup eligibility. He aims to compete in the BMW International Open and has paid off $1 million in fines to regain membership. Garcia plans to earn Ryder Cup points starting at The Masters in April.

Today’s Feature Golf Reads

Major Golf Tournaments happening this week

TGL - PGA Tour - SoFi Stadium - Palm Beach Gardens, FL

Tonights TGL golf tournament promises to be an exciting match between Jupiter Links Golf Club and Boston Common Golf. Scheduled for 6:30 PM ET, this primetime event will be broadcast on ESPN, marking the fourth match of the inaugural TGL season.

This highly anticipated contest could potentially feature a showdown between golf legends Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy. Woods leads the Jupiter Links team, which also includes Max Homa, Tom Kim, and Kevin Kisner. McIlroy headlines the Boston Common Golf squad, alongside Hideki Matsuyama, Keegan Bradley, and Adam Scott.

The match will take place at the custom-built SoFi Center in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. This state-of-the-art venue features a unique combination of simulator technology and a physical green complex, creating a hybrid playing environment that blends virtual and real golf elements.

The format for this match, like all TGL events, will consist of 15 holes divided into two sessions. The first nine holes will be played as "Triples," a 3-vs-3 alternate shot format. The remaining six holes will be "Singles," featuring head-to-head play between individual team members.

This innovative league introduces several unique elements to professional golf, including a shot clock, timeouts, and a "hammer" feature that allows teams to double the point value of a hole. These additions aim to create a fast-paced, engaging experience for both players and viewers.

TGL Stories

TGL founders Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy competing against each other for first time

Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy will compete for the first time in TGL at SoFi Center, with Boston Common favored over Jupiter Links. The league has seen strong viewership, appealing to a younger audience, and aims to engage new fans in golf.

After watching TGL’s five other teams compete, Boston Common Golf is finally on the tee come Monday night

Boston Common Golf, featuring Rory McIlroy, Keegan Bradley, and Adam Scott, will compete in the TGL league against Tiger Woods's team on Monday night in a high-tech arena in Florida. The event showcases innovative golf challenges on a giant simulator screen.

AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am - PGA Tour - Spyglass Hill GC & Pebble Beach Golf Links - Pebble Beach, CA

The AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, a prestigious PGA Tour Signature Event, is set to take place from January 30 to February 2, 2025, at the iconic Pebble Beach Golf Links and Spyglass Hill in California. This year's tournament boasts a star-studded field of 80 players, including world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and No. 3 Rory McIlroy, both making their 2025 season debuts.

The event features a unique format where professionals are paired with amateur partners for the first two days, playing at both Pebble Beach and Spyglass Hill. The final two rounds will be contested exclusively by professionals at Pebble Beach. With its elevated status as a Signature Event, the tournament offers a substantial $20 million purse, with the winner taking home $3.6 million.

Defending champion Wyndham Clark returns to defend his title after winning the rain-shortened 54-hole event in 2024 with a score of -17. Other past champions in the field include Justin Rose, Tom Hoge, Nick Taylor, and Jordan Spieth, who is making his season debut after wrist surgery and playing on a sponsor exemption.

The tournament has a rich history, with Phil Mickelson and Mark O'Meara holding the record for most wins at five each. This year's event promises to be highly competitive, featuring 27 of the world's top 30 players. Notable absences include world No. 2 Xander Schauffele due to a rib injury, and LIV golfers Tyrrell Hatton and Bryson DeChambeau.

As a no-cut event, all players are guaranteed to play all four rounds, adding to the excitement and prestige of this early-season highlight on the PGA Tour calendar. Golf fans can look forward to watching some of the world's best players compete on one of the most beautiful and challenging courses in the sport.

There have been 6 repeat winners of AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. Will Wyndham Clark be 7th?

Six golfers have won the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am multiple times, with Wyndham Clark aiming to become the seventh. The tournament has a rich history, originally starting in 1937 and moving to Pebble Beach in 1947, featuring notable repeat winners like Cary Middlecoff, Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson, Mark O'Meara, and Dustin Johnson.

Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament at Champions - LPGA - Lake Nona Golf & Country Club - Orlando, FL

The 2025 Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions is set to kick off the LPGA Tour season from January 30 to February 2 at Lake Nona Golf & Country Club in Orlando, Florida. This unique event brings together 32 LPGA Tour winners from the previous two seasons to compete for a $2 million prize purse. The tournament format features 72 holes of stroke play with no cut for the professional golfers.

Adding to the excitement, approximately 50 celebrities from the worlds of sports, entertainment, and music will join the LPGA players on the course. These stars will compete for their own $500,000 purse using a modified Stableford scoring system. Notable celebrities include NBC's Dylan Dreyer, actor Don Cheadle, NBA All-Star Blake Griffin, and NFL Hall of Famer Charles Woodson.

The defending champion, LPGA Hall of Famer Lydia Ko, will return to defend her title. She'll face stiff competition from a star-studded field including Olympic gold medalist Nelly Korda, Brooke Henderson, and 2023 Rookie of the Year Haeran Ryu.

The tournament will be broadcast nationally on NBC, Peacock, and Golf Channel, providing extensive coverage for fans.

The Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions has become a highlight of the golf calendar since its inception in 2019. It offers a unique blend of professional competition and celebrity participation, making it one of the most entertaining events in golf. As the LPGA Tour's season opener, it sets the stage for an exciting year of women's golf and showcases the sport's top talent alongside famous faces from other fields.

Lydia Ko recalls historic season in wake of Lake Nona victory to kick-start 2024

Lydia Ko celebrates her comeback with a victory at the LPGA season opener at Lake Nona, marking her 20th win after a challenging 2023. She reflects on her historic achievements, including an Olympic gold medal and Hall of Fame induction, while preparing for the upcoming tournament with a strong field of competitors.

Alejandro Del Rey Secures Crowning Glory Via Dominant Ras Al Khaimah Championship Win

Ras al Khaimah Championship - DP World Tour - Al Hamra GC - Ras al Khaimah, UAE

Alejandro del Rey secured his maiden DP World Tour title with a dominant performance at the 2025 Ras Al Khaimah Championship in the United Arab Emirates. The 26-year-old Spaniard started the final round with a two-shot lead and never relinquished control, firing a flawless 6-under 66 to finish at 22-under-par for the tournament.

Del Rey's victory was characterized by a blistering start, as he birdied three of his first five holes to quickly extend his lead. He maintained his composure throughout the round, adding three more birdies on the back nine, including a chip-in at the 11th and a long putt from over 50 feet at the 12th. His consistent play and ability to capitalize on opportunities allowed him to cruise to a four-shot victory.

England's Marcus Armitage put up a valiant effort, carding a 4-under 68 in the final round, but was unable to close the gap on the leader. Armitage finished in second place at 18-under-par, securing his best result on the DP World Tour since the 2023 Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.

Spanish golfer David Puig made a significant move up the leaderboard with an impressive final-round 65, featuring five birdies in his last six holes. This strong finish propelled him into third place at 15-under-par.

The tournament also featured some memorable moments, including a hole-in-one by Adrien Saddier at the par-3 7th hole during the final round.

For del Rey, this victory marks a significant milestone in his career, coming on his 70th DP World Tour start. The win not only secures his first title at this level but also moves him up to seventh in the Race to Dubai rankings and second in the International Swing standings.

The Ras Al Khaimah Championship proved to be a showcase of Spanish golfing talent, with del Rey's victory and Puig's strong finish highlighting a successful week for the nation's players at Al Hamra Golf Club.

Alejandro del Rey lands maiden title with four-shot win

Alejandro del Rey won his first DP World Tour title at the Ras Al Khaimah Championship, finishing four shots ahead with a flawless final round of 66, including six birdies. He expressed joy and relief at achieving this milestone after a challenging year.

Today’s Best Golf Videos

What’s in the Bag (WITB)

Alejandro Del Rey WITB: 2025 Ras Al Khaimah Championship Winner’s Bag Explored

Alejandro del Rey emerged as the winner of the 2025 Ras Al Khaimah Championship, showcasing his exceptional skills at the Al Hamra Golf Club in UAE, where he finished with an impressive score of 22-under par 266. His success can be attributed not only to his remarkable strokeplay but also to his choice of equipment, including the Srixon ZX7 driver and ZX7 Mark II for various holes, as well as the Srixon Z-Forged 2 irons. Del Rey also relies on Cleveland RTX 6 ZipCore Tour Rack wedges for challenging shots from bunkers and roughs, and a Scotty Cameron Proto T-11.5 putter for precision on the greens. Additionally, he carries a special ball marker as a good luck charm, symbolizing his journey and achievements in professional golf.

Harris English's win came after 1 under-the-radar gear switch

Harris English made waves in the golf world by becoming the first player to use Golf Pride's new Align Max grip during a tournament. His switch occurred just before the Farmers Insurance Open, where he expressed a preference for the enhanced feel and awareness provided by the grip. The Align Max, which features a new reminder ridge on the exterior, builds on Golf Pride's previous Align technology and aims to improve players' control and comfort. As other players take notice of English's successful adaptation, it's expected that more will experiment with the Align Max in upcoming events.

Why New Level's new forged irons fit more players than you think

New Level Golf's new 702 series of forged irons challenges the stereotype that good golfers should only use forged irons while beginners should opt for cast versions. The managing director of New Level, Kevin Masterson, argues that cast game improvement irons can hinder players by creating inconsistencies, while the one-piece forgings in the 702 series provide the consistency and performance that improving golfers need. With weaker lofts compared to modern game improvement irons, the 702 irons help players achieve better ball flight and control. New Level designed these clubs to cater to both elite ball-strikers and less experienced golfers, ensuring that a wider range of players can benefit from their advanced technology and design.

Overheard in the Club House

How to Fix the Tiger Woods TGL Indoor Big Screen Golf League and Make it Fun to Watch

The text discusses ways to improve the Tiger Woods TGL Indoor Big Screen Golf League to make it more engaging for viewers. It highlights various issues, such as the slow introduction of players, the use of fictional golf holes instead of iconic real ones, and the unrealistic features of the playing environment. Suggestions include streamlining player introductions, using well-known golf holes, making the green more realistic, eliminating unnecessary game mechanics like the "hammer," and finding a better balance with crowd involvement and shot timing. Despite its potential, the league's current format is seen as unappealing, risking its longevity.

Davis Love III Undergoes Successful Open Heart Surgery

World Golf Hall of Famer Davis Love III has successfully undergone open heart surgery at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, after a decade of monitoring a valve issue. The 60-year-old golfer returned home to St. Simons Island, Georgia, expressing gratitude for the care received and optimism about his recovery, stating he went in healthy and emerged healthier. Love III aims to resume driving by March and playing golf in April, having been a prominent figure in the sport, including his roles as a two-time Ryder Cup captain and a winner of the 1997 PGA Championship.

Harris English celebrates a victory with his 1½-year-old daughter for the first time

Harris English secured his fifth PGA Tour title at the Farmers Insurance Open, overcoming challenging conditions to win by one stroke, while celebrating the victory with his 1½-year-old daughter for the first time after a long recovery from hip surgery.

Pro gets consolation prize after coming up just short of Harris English at Torrey Pines

Sam Stevens finished as the runner-up at the 2025 Farmers Insurance Open, narrowly missing victory against Harris English. Despite the disappointment, his performance secured him a spot in the upcoming Signature Event at Pebble Beach, presenting a significant opportunity for points and future tournaments.

This rules change will probably make Matt Fitzpatrick both happy and angry

A recent change to Model Local Rule G-9 now allows golfers to replace clubs with visible cracks in the face or clubhead during competitions, a modification that addresses a significant concern raised by Matt Fitzpatrick after he was denied a replacement for his cracked driver at the BMW Championship. The USGA had been discussing adjustments to the rule since early 2024 but could not finalize them in time to assist Fitzpatrick during the event. The updated rule clarifies the types of damage that warrant a club replacement while ensuring that the replacement club maintains the progression of the player's set. This change reflects a shift in the governing bodies' approach to equipment regulations, aiming to enhance fairness and clarity in rulings regarding club damage.

"Don't be a d**k!" - Zach Johnson's caddie confronts heckler

Zach Johnson's caddie confronted a heckler during the Farmers Insurance Open, responding to criticism over Johnson's Ryder Cup leadership choices. The caddie urged the heckler to stop talking and to address his grievances directly with the players involved. This incident adds to Johnson's recent challenges following the Ryder Cup defeat.

After Paige Spiranac, PGA Tour Pro Calls Out TGL Analyst Amid Heated Slow Play Debate

The PGA Tour faces criticism over slow play, highlighted by Andrew Novak's response to analyst Kyle Porter, who suggested YouTube golf is more entertaining. Paige Spiranac also weighed in, defending professional golf amidst concerns about its appeal and valuation.

Latest Official World Golf Ranking

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Latest FedExCup Standings

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UPCOMING TOURS

PGA TOUR Schedule 2025

Click to see the entire PGA Tour Schedule for 2025 including the Previous winners and Purse.

LIV Golf Schedule 2025

Click to see the entire LIV Tour Schedule for 2025 including the Previous winners and Purse.

LPGA Tour Schedule 2025

Click to see the entire LPGA Tour Schedule for 2025 including the Previous winners and Purse.

TGL Schedule 2025

View the latest match schedule for TGL presented by SoFi, including times, dates and broadcast partners.

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