Golf insider Jimmy Caldwell analyzes how TGL’s success, LPGA’s struggles, and LIV’s ranking breakthrough reveal professional golf’s identity crisis.

Jimmy Caldwell analyzes golf’s identity crisis, from LIV defector treatment to mixed messages about values, and why the sport needs clearer leadership.

Who Has the Best Short Game in Golf History? Padraig Harrington Weighs In In a recent video shared by the DP World Tour’s social media team, renowned golfer Padraig Harrington made a compelling case for what he believes is the greatest short game in the history of professional golf. Harrington, a seasoned veteran with a reputation for his exceptional short game skills, dives into the intricacies that separate the greats from the rest. Why the Short Game Matters in Golf A golfer’s short game is crucial to success on the course. It comprises all the shots taken within 100 yards…

Scottie Scheffler: A Strong Contender at the WM Phoenix Open Scottie Scheffler, the world’s No. 1 golfer, is set to make his return to the greens this Thursday at the Waste Management Phoenix Open. Having kicked off his 2026 PGA Tour season with a remarkable victory in his only tournament thus far, Scheffler enters this popular event as the clear favorite. Historical Performance at the WM Phoenix Open Scheffler has developed a notable track record at the WM Phoenix Open, having participated in the tournament for the past six years. Here’s a summary of his past performances: 2020: Cut 2021:…

Professional Golf: Team Tour Secures OWGR Points, But Challenges Remain In a significant development within the realm of professional golf, the newly established team tour has officially secured Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points. However, this achievement comes with notable limitations, as only the top-10 finishers will earn points due to the league’s failure to meet several of the ranking board’s established criteria. Key Details: Team Tour Overview: The team tour has made headlines recently by securing a foothold within the competitive landscape of professional golf. OWGR Points Allocation: While the tour now has access to OWGR points, only the…

The Future of Bryson DeChambeau: What’s Next for the Unique Golfer? As professional golf evolves, one name continues to spark curiosity and intrigue: Bryson DeChambeau. Known for his unconventional approach to the game, DeChambeau is once again at the center of speculation regarding his career trajectory. A New Direction in Professional Golf DeChambeau has sparked discussions about the future of golf with his innovative style and unconventional methods. Unlike traditional golfers, Bryson seeks to redefine not only his game but the entire golfing landscape. He often emphasizes the importance of physics and analytical data, which has helped him break new…

LPGA Season Opener Controversy: Craig Kessler Addresses Player Concerns In a recent communication with LPGA players and select media, LPGA Commissioner Craig Kessler sought to clarify the events surrounding the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions (TOC). The season opener raised significant questions among players and fans alike, particularly regarding the delay in tee times and the decision to shorten the tournament to 54 holes. Key Questions from Players After the tournament, players expressed frustration over two main issues: Delayed Tee Times: Why were LPGA players not sent out until 2:15 p.m. ET when celebrities had already been playing for…

Viktor Hovland Responds to Koepka and Reed’s Return to the PGA Tour With the evolving landscape of professional golf, few stories have captured attention like the recent return of Brooks Koepka and Patrick Reed to the PGA Tour after stints with LIV Golf. Viktor Hovland, a seven-time Tour winner, shared his personal reflections on this significant shift in the golfing world. Upon hearing the news, Hovland simply thought, "Oh, that’s interesting." Yet, he quickly moved on to focus on his own career, illustrating a pragmatic approach in the face of industry changes. The Impact of Koepka and Reed’s Return Hovland…

Unlocking Power: How to Hit Longer Drives in Golf Welcome to Play Smart, a dedicated column on GOLF.com aimed at transforming you into a smarter, more effective golfer. Today, we delve into the intricacies of power generation in your golf swing, a crucial element if you aspire to hit longer drives. The Importance of Understanding Power Generation To smash those drives off the tee, comprehending how power is created is vital. Mastering the "how" in your swing mechanics lays the groundwork for an efficient and powerful delivery. Throughout my own speed-training journey, I’ve discovered that improving my swing speed wasn’t…

LIV Golf Faces Unique Challenges in Securing Official World Golf Ranking Points LIV Golf, the controversial new entrant in the world of professional golf, recently expressed concerns about its restrictions in earning Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points. As confirmed by the OWGR, only the top-10 finishers in LIV Golf events will be eligible to earn points, a move that LIV Golf asserts places it at a competitive disadvantage compared to other tours. LIV Golf’s Position In a statement, LIV Golf highlighted that no other professional tour has been subjected to such stringent limitations. This situation is particularly pressing for…