Imagine a world where the familiar traditions of golf are being shaken up by new alliances and shifting calendars—where players once devoted to the PGA Tour are now chasing dreams in far-flung destinations. It's a tale of adaptation, ambition, and the thrill of the chase that has golf enthusiasts everywhere buzzing. But here's where it gets controversial: Are these changes signaling the dawn of a more inclusive era, or are they just a flashy distraction from the sport's storied roots? Stick around, as we dive into the stories that are reshaping the game, and you might find yourself questioning everything you thought you knew about who really gets to tee off at the Masters.
Charles Howell III, a name synonymous with Augusta roots, has long been the poster boy for Masters mania. Growing up in the heart of Georgia, this tournament wasn't just an event for him—it was a deep-seated passion, a rite of passage that defined his early career. Back in the day, on the PGA Tour, reporters couldn't resist quizzing him about it every time the calendar turned. Now, though, the scene has flipped: calendars are crammed with new commitments, and the backdrop is worlds away. This week, at the Hong Kong Open, Howell finds himself surrounded by a sea of LIV Golf players, all vying for something big. Winning here doesn't just mean a trophy; it punches a ticket straight to the Masters—and yes, the British Open too. And this is the part most people miss: Howell's journey is emblematic of a broader shift. He's been exclusively on LIV Golf since jumping ship in July 2022, right after his final PGA Tour outing at the John Deere Classic, where he racked up an impressive 607 professional starts. It's a bold move that raises eyebrows—loyalty to the old guard or opportunism in a new league?
The Hong Kong Open's field is bursting with LIV talent, with 33 players who've graced the Saudi-funded circuit this year, and a whopping 29 who've done so all season long. Names like Talor Gooch, Paul Casey, Graeme McDowell, and Harold Varner III are headlining, with Gooch having gone three years without touching a non-LIV event. Patrick Reed and Charl Schwartzel stand out as the only ones already locked in for the Masters, thanks to their past victories. But for the rest, spots are up for grabs through events like the Spanish and Japan Opens, which kicked off Augusta's list of six qualifying national opens. Could this be why Howell picked Hong Kong? After two decades mostly sticking to home turf, he embarked on a five-week Asian adventure with his wife and kids, playing PGA Tour stops in South Korea, Japan, and Shanghai, while soaking in the sights of Hong Kong and Thailand. It's a family-oriented twist that adds a human element to the professional hustle.
Howell's past visit to Hong Kong was unforgettable—amidst massive pro-democracy protests involving 20,000 people in the streets, he was there at age 20. The trip wrapped up with his children marveling at elephants in Thailand. He described it as a 'once-in-a-lifetime' experience for his loved ones. It's stories like these that remind us golf isn't just about strokes; it's about life experiences woven into the fabric of the game. And yet, does this personal narrative overshadow the larger debate about LIV's influence on global events?
Shifting gears to a heartwarming tale of gratitude and perseverance: Michael Brennan's story is one that warms the soul. Amidst 30 letters pleading for sponsor exemptions at the Bank of Utah Championship, Brennan's stood out not just for his talent, but for his genuine thankfulness. Turned down last year for Black Desert due to his rookie status and limited PGA Tour Americas top-10s, he channeled that into motivation. This season, with three wins under his belt on the PGA Tour Americas, he soared to the Korn Ferry Tour. Even before triumphing, it was evident—a player who truly values opportunities.
Brennan's appreciation shone through actions: he visited the tournament office twice to express thanks to the staff, even bringing his parents along. This was all before he stormed to a three-shot lead in the final round and clinched a four-shot victory in his PGA Tour debut. 'He came into the office several times, as did his mom and dad,' noted tournament director John Coolbaugh. 'Just to say, “Thank you.” We were more than happy to help with his launching point.' What a launch it was! At 23, Brennan skips the Korn Ferry Tour entirely, securing a PGA Tour card through 2027. With his fourth win in just 77 days, he's rocketed to No. 43 in the world rankings. If he holds top-50 status by year's end, the Masters could be next. For beginners in golf, think of it like this: the PGA Tour is the big leagues, and sponsor exemptions are like special invitations to prove yourself—Brennan's story shows how attitude and skill can fast-track careers.
Now, onto Billy Horschel's remarkable rebound. After five months sidelined by right hip surgery, his return was rocky: a missed cut at the BMW PGA Championship as defending champion, followed by a 19-shot deficit in Japan. The Bank of Utah Championship started with woes—a quadruple-bogey 8 on a lava-rock hole, plus a double bogey, leaving him 3-over through 22 holes. But then, a spark: a sizzling 32 on the back nine Friday saved the cut, leading to 66-66 weekends and five birdies in his last six holes for an 11th-place tie. 'Nice to see my game starting to show life,' he posted on social media. 'Still work to do but we are getting closer.' From 4-over through 11 holes and 3-over at 22, it was a turnaround worth cheering. This is the kind of resilience that inspires—yet it begs the question: In an injury-plagued sport, how much should we celebrate comebacks versus addressing underlying health risks?
Broadening the view to the senior circuit, the PGA Tour Champions is leveling up with two new tournaments in Portugal and Pennsylvania, bumping the 2026 schedule to 28 events and a prize pool exceeding $69 million. Expect some refinements too. The Mitsubishi Electric Classic at TPC Sugarloaf near Atlanta will switch to Stableford scoring—a points-based system where birdies and eagles earn positive scores, bogeys negatives, making it easier for beginners to follow as it rewards consistency over pure stroke count. Meanwhile, the Stifel Classic shifts from Richmond, Virginia, to St. Louis as the opener for the Charles Schwab Cup playoffs.
Ernie Els steps in as host for the Portugal Invitational, slated a week after the Senior British Open. The Jefferson Lehigh Valley Classic in Allentown, Pennsylvania, kicks off the first week of October. The five majors begin with the Senior PGA Championship at Concession Golf Club in Florida for the next three years, from April 16-19—just a week post-Masters. The Regions Tradition follows two weeks later, no longer overlapping with the PGA Championship. The last trio—the U.S. Senior Open at Scioto in Ohio, the Kaulig Companies Championship at Firestone, and the Senior British Open at Gleneagles—spans four weeks starting July 1. For those new to the game, majors are the pinnacle events, like championships in other sports, and this schedule keeps the excitement rolling for seasoned players.
In the 'Divots' section of quick hits: Phil Mickelson's legacy lingers under the PGA Tour banner via a four-year extension with ATB Financial for the PGA Tour Americas event. The ATB Classic will alternate between Mickelson National in Calgary and Blackhawk in Edmonton— a nod to his influence, even as debates rage about his LIV ties. Rory McIlroy kicks off 2026 at the Dubai Invitational on the European Tour, where he was runner-up last time in 2024. Michael Brennan joins 15 others with their first PGA Tour win this year. And the indoor TGL league in Florida schedules Tuesday matches during The American Express and Farmers Insurance Open next January—adding variety to off-season play.
Stat of the week: Rico Hoey delivered an astounding 19 straight par-5 holes with birdie or better, from the fourth hole of the first round in Japan to the ninth in the final round in Utah. That's the longest streak since ShotLink tracking began in 2003. For beginners, par-5s are the longer holes where eagles (two under) are possible, making this feat a masterclass in capitalizing on opportunities.
Final word from Jordan Gumberg, after a miraculous 58-yard eagle on his last hole to secure his European Tour card for 2026: 'It’s a brotherhood out here. It’s not even that – it’s the wives and everyone that gets along. It’s great now to know that I will see them again.' It's a poignant reminder of the community in golf, transcending competition.
Reporting by The Associated Press.
What do you think—is LIV Golf revolutionizing the sport for the better, or is it undermining traditions that make golf special? Do stories like Brennan's prove that hard work and gratitude pay off, or should exemptions be more merit-based? Share your thoughts in the comments—do you agree, disagree, or have a controversial take of your own?
