⛳ Your Golf News Round-up: 9 Oct 25

Storms, Comebacks, and Controversy

This Week in Golf. A weekly roundup of the biggest stories shaping the world of golf. From Scottish storms to Saudi struggles, here’s everything you need to know.

🏆 1. Robert MacIntyre Wins Alfred Dunhill Links Amid Storm Chaos

The Alfred Dunhill Links Championship in Scotland was hit hard by Storm Amy, forcing officials to shorten the event to 54 holes after brutal winds reached 60 mph.

Scotland’s own Robert MacIntyre handled the conditions best, securing victory at St Andrews and becoming the first Scot to win the event since Colin Montgomerie. In a post-round interview, he revealed that a mid-tournament golf ball switch was key to his win — a bold move that clearly paid off. (Read more)

🐅 2. Tiger Woods Missing from Hero World Challenge Line-Up

In an update that raised eyebrows, Tiger Woods was not listed in the field for his own Hero World Challenge set for December.

While the field is still being finalized — leaving open the possibility of sponsor exemptions — it’s another reminder that Woods continues to pace his return carefully following multiple injury setbacks. Insiders expect his real comeback to happen with his TGL debut in early 2026, rather than this winter.

🎤 3. Ryder Cup Fallout: Resignations, Apologies, and Fan Conduct

The Ryder Cup fallout continues weeks after the event, and it’s still dominating headlines.

• Heather McMahan, the first-tee announcer, resigned after facing backlash for leading chants aimed at Rory McIlroy — and later revealed she’d received death threats.

• The PGA of America issued a formal apology after McIlroy’s wife, Erica Stoll, was heckled and hit by a beer can.

• Meanwhile, Collin Morikawa defended comments about “fan chaos,” saying his remarks were misinterpreted and not intended to downplay the seriousness of the behavior.

The ongoing conversation is forcing golf’s governing bodies to re-evaluate crowd management and decorum, ensuring passion doesn’t cross the line.

💸 4. LIV Golf’s Financial Losses Deepen

The Financial Times reported that LIV Golf’s UK arm posted a $461.8 million loss in 2024, widening its cumulative losses since launch.

Despite substantial backing from the Saudi Public Investment Fund, the numbers are fuelling questions about LIV’s sustainability — and whether its huge prize purses and team-based format can ever balance the books.

This comes as LIV continues to expand globally, suggesting that for now, it’s playing the long game rather than chasing short-term profitability.

🇯🇵 5. Tony Finau Withdraws from the Baycurrent Classic

In a surprise move, Tony Finau has withdrawn from the Baycurrent Classic in Japan, one of the late-season PGA Tour stops.

No reason was given, but his absence opens the door for Sam Ryder, who now takes his spot in the field. Ryder, currently just outside the world’s top 100, will be hoping to make the most of the opportunity as the season winds down.

🌏 6. Team USA Shines in Amateur Golf

The future of American golf looks bright:

• Team USA won the Espirito Santo Trophy (Women’s World Amateur) in Singapore after a tiebreak victory over Spain and South Korea.

• Meanwhile, the Eisenhower Trophy (Men’s World Amateur) teed off this week at the same venue, where the U.S. are defending champions.

Amateur golf doesn’t grab the same headlines as the pros, but these performances underline the depth of young talent ready to rise through the ranks.

🧭 Looking Ahead

Next week’s focus will be on whether MacIntyre can sustain his form, whether Woods hints at a short-term return, and if LIV can shake off the financial scrutiny. With the Eisenhower Trophy wrapping up and the PGA Tour’s Asia Swing in full flow, golf’s global season is closing with no shortage of drama.