Xander Schauffele found himself in a tough spot after a wayward drive off the 18th tee at Accordia Golf Narashino Country Club. “I was an idiot,” he admitted, reflecting on his poor shot selection. The ball nestled into a dense patch of rough, presenting a daunting challenge. Despite attempts to recover with a wedge shot that found a bunker, Schauffele’s woes continued as he struggled with the putter, resulting in an unfortunate quad 8 finish
A new insider’s view into the lives of the PGA Tour’s rules team has shown the careful balancing act they must perform to interpret the complex Rule Book fairly, while also letting the game flow. “We have to be purveyors of fun, but we can’t turn a blind eye,” said one Tour official. The team receives real-time information on any potential rules infringements and must assess whether the player has broken a rule, if it was a serious breach, and, if so, what action to take. These snap judgments are made amid the pressure of players waiting and an audience watching.
R&A grants LIV Golf players a qualification pathway to The Open, allowing competitors to earn spots through designated events and performance criteria, marking a significant shift in tournament access.
Five players led the 2025 FedEx Cup season in putting success, posting the lowest stroke averages and most points on greens – data shows putting was a decisive factor in the season’s standings.