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

Examine in each week for the unfiltered opinions of our writers and editors as they break down the most well liked matters within the sport, and be a part of the dialog by tweeting us at @golf_com. This week, we talk about a possible Ryder Cup cost 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 may pay U.S. Ryder Cup gamers instantly — reportedly $400,000 every — for the primary time within the occasion’s almost 100-year historical past. As for the European facet? “The European consensus is we don’t need something to alter what we have now over right here,” stated Rory McIlroy, “so we in all probability gained’t be getting paid for Bethpage, which is completely high quality.” Whereas heaps can change within the subsequent yr, 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 positively 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 will change is fan rooting curiosity. Given a selection between a mercenary workforce and gamers prepared to play free of charge, 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 might be compensated whereas the opposite will not be. 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 delivering the proper route, 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 yr — U.S. Open, Irish Open — how large was this victory to finish the yr and the way vital was it for his mojo heading into 2025: little or no, considerably, or loads?

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 means 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 value him the U.S. Open and almost value 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 loads for his psyche contemplating profitable these types of titles has by no means been the problem — it’s been profitable within the 4 large 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 position for the PGA Tour Champions (changing the since-departed Lanny Wadkins). Given how Azinger aired soiled laundry on his means out the door from NBC final December, are you stunned 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 wise rent in a number of methods. Azinger will probably be overlaying guys from his personal technology, so presumably he’ll have some enjoyable private anecdotes to share, amongst different insights that add colour 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’d hope – and count on–he’ll be extra relaxed and freewheeling, which additionally makes for a greater broadcast.

Colgan: I’m fairly stunned, if solely as a result of ‘Zinger known as his new employers on the Tour a “feeder” tour to LIV lower than a yr 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 in any case.

Two of the ladies’s sport’s hottest gamers, Nelly Korda and Charley Hull, confronted off within the last grouping at The Annika on Sunday, with Korda in the end taking pictures 67 to win by one shot. It was additionally considerably of a rematch relationship again to the autumn, when Hull beat Korda 6 and 4 in Solheim Cup singles. How vital 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 is necessary 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 ought to be speaking about the best way to enhance the product — tempo of play is one notable space — in order that when stars compete towards each other throughout these greater weekends, followers are incentivized to maintain coming again.

Sens: James just about nails it. Rivalries between prime gamers are all the time welcome. However one rivalry alone isn’t a silver bullet. What the magic treatment is perhaps is one other matter. I’m undecided. The LPGA Tour is stocked with nice gamers with partaking personalities who’re way more media-friendly than their male counterparts. Why they aren’t extra in style 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 positively two of essentially the most recognizable faces within the girls’s sport, however for it to be a real rivalry, Charley Hull goes to want to beef up her resume a bit. For as a lot buzz as she generates on social media, her CV is a bit gentle 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 checklist. 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 checklist tilts non-public. I don’t assume that’s a flaw within the rankings, it’s merely a mirrored image of the way in which the sport is drifting, and the way a lot cash there may be on the greater finish of the sport. Cash is pouring into restorations of nice outdated non-public golf equipment, but additionally 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 soar 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 in all probability the general public course I’m most desperate to play. 

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