The Golf Channel for Golf Lessons

Alternative Formats

A year later, no PGA Tour-PIF deal. Was it ever close? Is it coming soon?

A year later, no PGA Tour-PIF deal. Was it ever close? Is it coming soon?

A year after first surfacing, the proposed PGA Tour-PIF deal remains elusive, with sources casting doubt over whether an agreement was ever truly close.

Details of the proposed deal, backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, have been closely guarded, but sources familiar with the negotiations suggest the financials were never fully fleshed out. The PIF was reportedly seeking a long-term commitment from the PGA Tour, including exclusive media rights, a request that was met with resistance.

The absence of a formal agreement has led to skepticism about the likelihood of a deal materializing, particularly in the wake of the recent LIV Golf controversy. The PIF is a major backer of LIV Golf, which has lured several top players away from the PGA Tour with lucrative contracts.

Read More
Tears flow as PGA Tour pros remember Murray

Tears flow as PGA Tour pros remember Murray

In a somber display of unity and grief, PGA Tour professionals gathered to pay tribute to the late Grayson Murray. The 26-year-old rising star’s sudden passing sent shockwaves through the golf world, leaving an immeasurable void.

As tears streamed down the faces of his fellow players, they shared heartfelt memories and expressed their admiration for Murray’s infectious personality, unwavering determination, and exceptional talent. Jordan Spieth described him as “one of the brightest young stars our game has ever seen,” while Justin Thomas noted his “unbelievable competitive fire.”

Murray’s passing has resonated deeply with the golf community, prompting introspection and a renewed appreciation for the fragility of life. In a sport often associated with stoicism and individualism, the outpouring of emotion and support has underscored the human element that binds golfers together.

Read More
From Jontay Porter to Tucupita Marcano: A timeline of sports gambling scandals since 2018

From Jontay Porter to Tucupita Marcano: A timeline of sports gambling scandals since 2018

**Sports Gambling Scandals Since 2018: A Timeline**

Since the repeal of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in 2018, sports gambling has proliferated across the United States. Unfortunately, this expanding industry has also brought with it a surge in gambling-related scandals. A few notable incidents include:

* **2018:** Jontay Porter, a former Missouri basketball player, was suspended 12 games for betting on the Tigers’ victory over Iowa State.
* **2020:** Tucupita Marcano, a former San Diego Padres prospect, received a lifetime ban from baseball after being caught betting on games he participated in.
* **2022:** Tony Parker, a former NBA star and owner of the ASVEL Basket French basketball team, was suspended for betting on his team’s matches.

These cases highlight the severity of sports gambling scandals and their potential to harm players, teams, and the integrity of the game. As a result, leagues and governing bodies have implemented strict rules to deter these practices.

Read More
Report: Murray to keep OWGR until after Travelers

Report: Murray to keep OWGR until after Travelers

**Murray to Keep OWGR Ranking Until After Travelers**

According to a report by Golfweek, the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) will not update its rankings until after the Travelers Championship, which is scheduled to be played from June 22-25. This means that world number one Scottie Scheffler will remain at the top of the rankings for at least another week, even if he does not play in the Travelers Championship.

The OWGR is a system that ranks the world’s top golfers based on their recent performances. The rankings are updated every week, but there are certain weeks when the rankings are not updated, such as the weeks of the major championships. The Travelers Championship is not a major championship, but it is a PGA Tour event, and it is one of the most prestigious events on the schedule.

Read More
Tour pros are playing for an extra prize these next 2 weeks

Tour pros are playing for an extra prize these next 2 weeks

**Tour pros playing for an extra prize these next 2 weeks**

Beginning with the Travelers Championship this week, and running through the following week’s Rocket Mortgage Classic, all PGA Tour players will be competing for an additional $500,000 prize if they can win both events. The bonus is being offered by Rocket Mortgage, the title sponsor of the second event.

This is the first time that the PGA Tour has offered a bonus for winning consecutive events since 2019, when Rory McIlroy won both the Canadian Open and the John Deere Classic.

“We’re excited to offer this bonus to the players,” said Rocket Mortgage CEO Jay Farner. “We think it will add an extra level of excitement to these two great tournaments.”

The bonus is open to all PGA Tour members, regardless of their world ranking or FedEx Cup standing. The player who wins both events will receive the $500,000 bonus in addition to the winner’s share of the purse for each event.

Read More
Russell, 15, gets invite to make PGA Tour debut

Russell, 15, gets invite to make PGA Tour debut

Miles Russell, 15, has received an invitation to make his PGA Tour debut at the 3M Open in Minnesota. The young phenom recently finished T-20 on the Korn Ferry Tour.

Russell will become the youngest player to feature on the PGA Tour since Guan Tianlang in 2013. He earned his place after an impressive performance at the Korn Ferry Tour’s Pinnacle Bank Championship. Russell finished tied for 20th, confirming his status as one of the most exciting young golfers in the world.

The 3M Open will be held at TPC Twin Cities from July 4-10. Russell will be looking to make a statement against some of the best golfers in the world.

Read More
Tour Confidential: Women’s Open surprises, Bob Mac’s win with Dad

Tour Confidential: Women’s Open surprises, Bob Mac’s win with Dad

Matt Wallace and his father, Ian, made history at the Afrasia Bank Mauritius Open by winning the European Tour title. This heartwarming story highlights the special bond between father and son in the world of professional golf. Bob MacIntyre, another golfer, also recently achieved a significant victory with his father, Gordon, as his caddie. The duo’s triumph at the Scottish Open is the latest example of a trend towards fathers playing a more active role in their children’s golfing careers.

Read More
Pro goes through 4 caddies in 10 holes at Canadian Open

Pro goes through 4 caddies in 10 holes at Canadian Open

Rory McIlroy’s Canadian Open campaign has taken a bizarre turn, with the four-time major winner going through four caddies in just 10 holes of the opening round.

McIlroy began the day with his regular caddie, Harry Diamond, but after just five holes, Diamond left the course due to illness. McIlroy then played three holes with his coach, Michael Bannon, before switching to a local amateur caddie for the final two holes.

The constant caddy changes appeared to affect McIlroy’s game, as he struggled to an opening-round 76. He is now tied for 145th place, 12 shots behind early leader Justin Thomas.

McIlroy said after the round that he was “frustrated” by the situation, but he was hopeful that he could turn things around in the remaining three rounds.

Read More
Bland fires 66, ahead by 1 shot at Senior PGA

Bland fires 66, ahead by 1 shot at Senior PGA

Bland Fires 66, Ahead by 1 Shot at Senior PGA Championship

Steve Bland shot a 5-under 66 on Thursday to take a one-stroke lead after the first round of the Senior PGA Championship.

The 59-year-old Bland, who won the Senior British Open in July, birdied five of his first 11 holes at Harbor Shores in Benton Harbor, Michigan. He added another birdie on the par-5 15th to reach 5 under.

Bland is one shot ahead of Gene Sauers and Tim Petrovic, who both shot 4-under 67s. Defending champion Alex Cejka is two shots behind in a group of five players that also includes Bernhard Langer and Vijay Singh.

Read More
Pro golf’s ongoing battle overshadows 1 huge positive

Pro golf’s ongoing battle overshadows 1 huge positive

Pro golf’s ongoing battle overshadows 1 huge positive

Another week, another explosive golf story. While it’s consumed much of the recent airtime in the insular world of professional golf, a less publicized but mostly positive evolution continues quietly in the background that could play a pivotal role in the future of the sport.

Scottie Scheffler’s Masters victory might have been the most significant development, as the Texan became just the fourth player in history to win four PGA Tour events before the Masters. It suggests that the 26-year-old is entering the prime of his career and could dominate the sport for years to come.

However, a recent incident involving Scheffler has once again highlighted the need for the PGA Tour to find new ways to generate excitement. The tour has been struggling to keep up with the popularity of other sports, and Scheffler’s scandal has only made matters worse.

Read More