Participant of the 12 months, Tiger returns (form of) and extra

Examine in each week for the unfiltered opinions of our writers and editors as they break down the most well liked subjects within the sport, and be a part of the dialog by tweeting us at @golf_com. This week, we talk about end-of-the-season awards, the Hero World Problem, issues we’re grateful for and extra.

The PGA Tour launched its nominees for the 2024 Jack Nicklaus Award and Arnold Palmer Award, with Scottie Scheffler, Xander Schauffele and Rory McIlroy battling for POY and Nick Dunlap, Max Greyserman, Jake Knapp and Matthieu Pavon nominated for Rookie of the 12 months. Any predictions?

Josh Berhow, managing editor (@Josh_Berhow): Scheffler’s seven-win season and the truth that most of them have been in larger occasions can be powerful to high, even with Xander’s double-major yr. (P.S. Scottie’s Olympic gold doesn’t damage his possibilities, both.) The ROY race must be tighter, however not by a lot. Pavon gained as soon as and had a pleasant run on the Masters, but it surely’s exhausting to wager towards the headlines Nick Dunlap made when he grew to become the primary novice to win since Phil and the primary participant to win as an novice and professional in the identical season.

Jessica Marksbury, senior editor (@Jess_Marksbury): Scottie is a lock. By way of win high quality, Pavon’s title on the Farmers Insurance coverage Open was in all probability the strongest when it comes to status. However Josh, you make an amazing case for Nick Dunlap. I feel you’re proper. If all wins are equal, doing it as an novice must be price double anyway, and Dunlap gained one other match too, for good measure. He will get the nod from me.

Dylan Dethier, senior author (@dylan_dethier): It’s Scottie, who had a ridiculous, historic season. However as loopy because it sounds, I feel Scheffler would have traded his season for Schauffele’s till he gained the gold medal. A participant’s main rely is his most essential quantity and Schauffele acquired two to Scheffler’s one. However Olympic gold is in a class of its personal; pair that together with his Masters title, add within the Gamers and a bundle of extra Tour wins, cap it off with the FedEx Cup title and he’s the clear winner. As for Rookie of the 12 months? Dunlap gained twice and is due to this fact the straightforward choose. Max Greyserman has proven some red-hot kind, although, and stands out as the man to look at for 2025.

It’s Hero World Problem week, and whereas the 15-time major-winning host gained’t be teeing it up, we are going to hear from him in his annual pre-tournament press convention. What are you hoping to be taught from Tiger Woods when he speaks to the media subsequent week?

Berhow: We appear to continually get no-update updates on the state of the pending merger between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf, however hopefully Tiger has a little bit extra intel on present happenings and the place every little thing stands. As a outstanding determine in golf, if he voices any displeasure or skepticism, it is going to make waves. However perhaps it’s wishful pondering that even his ideas could have that a lot influence at this level.

Marksbury: I’m nonetheless not prepared for Tiger’s full transition from participant to elder statesman. An replace on the LIV/PGA Tour proceedings can be nice, however I additionally wish to understand how he’s therapeutic from his newest process and if aggressive golf is much away. A tentative schedule of once we can anticipate to see him tee it up subsequent yr can be good too.

Dethier: In the intervening time the individuals actually wish to know if Staff Woods can be taking up the PNC. I’m legitimately curious to take his temperature on the TGL, too — how invested and excited is he? However Berhow’s proper that we should always a minimum of be capable of learn between the strains of no matter sidestep he presents on the PIF-PGA Tour relationship. Largely it’ll be good to see Woods out and about; the world hasn’t seen a lot of him since The Open.

GOLF not too long ago launched its newest rankings of the High 100 Programs within the U.S. (together with the public listing) and with it some survey outcomes we collected from golf followers such as you. What was essentially the most fascinating nugget you seen?

Berhow: About 1/3 of these surveyed mentioned they wouldn’t pay greater than $100 to play a High 100 Course. Whereas I feel that determine is about proper, I feel it additionally reminds that there’s a big portion of individuals on the market who’re extra into golf for the recreation, sport and camaraderie somewhat than checking off a bucket listing gem — and that’s simply high quality. It’s essential to have programs to help that, too.

Marksbury: I used to be very stunned at what number of respondents (55 %!) mentioned a course’s designer issues to them once they’re selecting the place to play. Until I’m headed to a heralded or bucket-list vacation spot by which the designer is principally synonymous with the course, a given course’s designer is commonly one thing I take into consideration after I play, somewhat than earlier than.

Dethier: I used to be simply stunned that 10 % of survey-takers had performed Pine Valley and almost half of you recognize somebody who has. I knew you all have been golf sickos, I simply didn’t understand how well-connected you have been.

With a nod to Thanksgiving, what golf second or a part of the sport are you grateful for proper now?

Berhow: Associates to take buddies’ journeys with, slope buttons on rangefinders, good push carts, high-quality brats on the flip and powerful post-round IPAs on patios.

Marksbury: Josh, what a listing! Onerous to high. I’ll go together with that first-tee feeling, when the anticipation is at a excessive and the spherical — and all its potential unrealized glories — remains to be forward of you.

Dethier: Each time you get out on a crisp fall day it simply feels such as you’re stealing one. Grateful for fall golf, for a course with a view and for the aid when the one group holding you up drops out after 9.

And on a distinct be aware, our Josh Sens compiled a listing of our annual ‘Turkey Award‘ winners for 2024, which was a glance again at a number of the extra unsavory headlines from the yr. Who or what’s your winner in that class for this yr?

Berhow: Oh boy, some worthy candidates little doubt. Onerous to high the mess in Phoenix, though arresting the World No. 1 participant may try this.

Marksbury: Scottie’s arrest, arms down. I’m nonetheless mad about it.

Dethier: There was one thing unusual and hilarious about Matt Kuchar singlehandedly extending the Wyndham Championship into Monday. In all probability much less hilarious for match staffers who needed to come again very first thing, although.