Rory’s massive win, Ryder Cup cash, LPGA rivalry: Tour Confidential

Verify in each week for the unfiltered opinions of our writers and editors as they break down the most popular matters within the sport, and be a part of the dialog by tweeting us at @golf_com. This week, we focus on a possible Ryder Cup fee construction, Rory McIlroy’s newest win, the LPGA’s latest rivalry and extra.

The Telegraph reported the PGA of America is contemplating proposals and nearing a construction that will pay U.S. Ryder Cup gamers straight — reportedly $400,000 every — for the primary time within the occasion’s practically 100-year historical past. As for the European facet? “The European consensus is we don’t need something to vary what we now have over right here,” stated Rory McIlroy, “so we most likely gained’t be getting paid for Bethpage, which is completely positive.” Whereas tons can change within the subsequent 12 months, how would the Ryder Cup dynamic be affected if one facet was compensated and the opposite wasn’t?

Josh Sens, senior author (@joshsens): All of the cliches concerning the American cult of individualism vs the European perception within the collective good undoubtedly play out in Ryder Cup dynamics, and people dynamics positive appear to favor the Europeans. However I’m undecided one facet getting paid would change a lot concerning the competitors. What I believe it might change is fan rooting curiosity. Given a selection between a mercenary group and gamers prepared to play at no cost, I do know which facet I’d pull for each time. 

James Colgan, information and options editor (@jamescolgan26): I don’t assume the dynamic would change a lot, however I agree with Josh: it strikes me as unusual that one facet may very well be compensated whereas the opposite is just not. But when we’re being sincere, it’s ridiculous the gamers aren’t paid for the Ryder Cup to start with, so if that is what it takes to get the gears handing over the appropriate course, so be it.

Zephyr Melton, assistant editor (@zephyrmelton): My two colleagues nailed it within the replies above. I’m undecided there’s any extra I can add that hasn’t already been stated. 

Talking of McIlroy, he beat Rasmus Hojgaard by two to win the season-ending DP World Tour Championship and clinch his sixth Race to Dubai title. Given his shut calls over the previous 12 months — U.S. Open, Irish Open — how massive was this victory to finish the 12 months and the way necessary was it for his mojo heading into 2025: little or no, considerably, or rather a lot?

Sens: Within the grand scheme, little or no. McIlroy has gained loads of occasions throughout his 10-year main drought. What he hasn’t gained are the person occasions he says imply essentially the most to him. Perhaps the swing modifications he says he’s engaged on will get him over the hump this coming season. However I don’t count on one other Race to Dubai title to get him previous the mental-game points which have fairly clearly been getting in his method in majors.

Colgan:  Psychologically, I believe it was a reasonably large deal. I believe his surprisingly emotional interview after the event proved as a lot to be true. However the greater query — can he defeat the demons that price him the U.S. Open and practically price him the title on Sunday? — stays unanswered heading into ‘25. I believe that’s the larger piece of it. 

Melton: I don’t assume it does a complete heck of rather a lot for his psyche contemplating profitable these types of titles has by no means been the difficulty — it’s been profitable within the 4 massive ones. One other shiny trophy so as to add to the gathering, however not the one he needs most. I don’t assume this profitable expertise is gonna be make or break when it comes crunch time within the majors.

Paul Azinger is returning to the golf broadcasting sales space 2025, as the previous NBC lead analyst will take over the identical function for the PGA Tour Champions (changing the since-departed Lanny Wadkins). Given how Azinger aired soiled laundry on his method out the door from NBC final December, are you shocked by this rent? And do you assume we’ll see the identical model of Azinger we noticed within the sales space earlier years?

Sens: A bit shocking. However a smart rent in lots of methods. Azinger will probably be masking guys from his personal era, so presumably he’ll have some enjoyable private anecdotes to share, amongst different insights that add coloration to paint commentary. This time round additionally looks like decrease stakes and fewer strain than his first time within the tower, when he was filling the massive sneakers of Johnny Miller. I might hope – and count on–he’ll be extra relaxed and freewheeling, which additionally makes for a greater broadcast.

Colgan: I’m fairly shocked, if solely as a result of ‘Zinger referred to as his new employers on the Tour a “feeder” tour to LIV lower than a 12 months in the past. However I additionally don’t assume there are that many individuals alive who’re certified to discuss the PGA Tour Champions every week like Azinger is, so maybe we shouldn’t be too shocked.

Melton: It’s all the time a shock to see a reunion after burned bridges, however after the twists and turns professional golf has taken in recent times, it’s removed from essentially the most gorgeous reversal. I’m undecided his restricted time on TV broadcasting the Champs Tour will make many waves, although. A lot of the views for the senior tour come through muted TVs in muni grill rooms and bars anyhow.

Two of the ladies’s sport’s hottest gamers, Nelly Korda and Charley Hull, confronted off within the remaining grouping at The Annika on Sunday, with Korda finally taking pictures 67 to win by one shot. It was additionally considerably of a rematch courting again to the autumn, when Hull beat Korda 6 and 4 in Solheim Cup singles. How necessary is that this Korda-Hull dynamic for the LPGA? Is it the “rivalry” the league wants?

Colgan: They’re two of essentially the most marketable gamers within the LPGA proper now, so I’d say it can be crucial for the tour that they performed collectively on Sunday. However I don’t assume one singular rivalry is sufficient to transfer the needle. I believe we must be speaking about the best way to enhance the product — tempo of play is one notable space — in order that when stars compete in opposition to each other throughout these greater weekends, followers are incentivized to maintain coming again.

Sens: James just about nails it. Rivalries between high gamers are all the time welcome. However one rivalry alone isn’t a silver bullet. What the magic remedy is perhaps is one other matter. I’m undecided. The LPGA Tour is stocked with nice gamers with participating personalities who’re much more media-friendly than their male counterparts. Why they aren’t extra fashionable right here — as they’re on the Korean skilled circuit, the place they earn extra and draw extra followers than the blokes — has to do with one thing deeper currents that make for uncomfortable conversations.

Melton: They’re undoubtedly two of essentially the most recognizable faces within the ladies’s sport, however for it to be a real rivalry, Charley Hull goes to wish to beef up her resume a bit. For as a lot buzz as she generates on social media, her CV is a bit mild with simply two LPGA wins in her complete profession. Even when the “rivalry” does absolutely blossom, although, it’s not going to be a fix-all for the ladies’s sport. As Sens alluded to above, that speaks to some deeper points.

GOLF launched its newest rating of the Prime 100 Programs within the U.S. final week, with Pine Valley but once more coming in at No. 1 and 11 newcomers making the listing. What stood out to you concerning the newest rating? (Eds. observe: Keep tuned for our latest Prime 100 Programs You Can Play rating that goes stay on Tuesday.)

Sens: Simply how a lot of the listing tilts non-public. I don’t assume that’s a flaw within the rankings, it’s merely a mirrored image of the best way the sport is drifting, and the way a lot cash there may be on the increased finish of the sport. Cash is pouring into restorations of nice outdated non-public golf equipment, but in addition into super-exclusive new hideaways. As nice as many resorts and daily-fee programs are nowadays, it’s gotten more durable for public-access golf to compete rankings-wise.

Colgan: Man, I used to be shocked by the leap taken by The Lido, the legendary Lengthy Island routing turned Wisconsin resort course. It’s up into the highest 40 within the U.S., and given its story, it’s most likely the general public course I’m most desirous to play. 

Melton: I loved seeing Philly Cricket sneak into the Prime 100 this time round. The Wissahickon course has lengthy been one among my favourite within the northeast, so it’s good to see it get some love within the rankings.