Rory’s biggest wins, Ryder Cup money, LPGA competition: Tour Secrets

Check in every week for the unfiltered views of our writers and editors as they analyze the hottest topics in sports, and join the conversation by tweeting us at @igalofu_com. This week, we discuss the potential Ryder Cup payout structure, Rory McIlroy’s latest victory, the new LPGA rivalry and more.

The Telegraph reported that the PGA of America is considering proposals and is approaching a structure that would pay US Ryder Cup players directly – reportedly $400,000 each – for the first time in the event’s nearly 100-year history. As for the European side? “The consensus in Europe is that we don’t want anything to change what we have here,” said Rory McIlroy, “so we won’t be paid for Bethpage, which is great.” Although the lot may change next year, how will the Ryder Cup be affected if one side is compensated and the other is not?

Josh Sens, senior author (@joshsens): All the quotes about the American religion of self-interest versus the European belief in the collective good definitely play into the Ryder Cup Dynamics, and those forces seem to favor the Europeans. But I’m not sure that one professional side can change much with the tournament. What I think will change is the interest in removing followers. Given the choice between a mercenary team and players willing to play for free, I know which side I’ll gravitate towards every time.

James Colgan, news and features editor (@jamescolgan26): I don’t think the dynamics would change much, but I agree with Josh: it’s very strange to me that one side can be compensated and the other not. But let’s be honest, it’s ridiculous that players aren’t paid for the Ryder Cup to begin with, so if this is what it takes to get the gears turning right, so be it.

Zephyr Melton, assistant editor (@zephyrmelton): Two of my colleagues nailed it in the answers above. I’m not sure there’s anything else I can add that hasn’t already been said.

Speaking of McIlroy, he beat Rasmus Hojgaard by two to win the season-ending DP World Tour Championship and his sixth Tour to Dubai title. Given his close calls in the past year – the US Open, the Irish Open – how big was this victory to end the year and how important was it to his mojo heading into 2025: too little, somehow, or too much?

Senses: In the grand scheme of things, it’s very small. McIlroy won multiple events during his 10-year major drought. What he hasn’t won are the individual events that he says are the most important to him. Maybe the swing changes he says he’s working on will get him going this offseason. But I don’t expect another Race to Dubai title to get him past the mental game issues that have been plaguing his plans.

Colgan: Psychologically, I think it was a very big thing. I think his surprisingly emotional post-tournament conversation rang true. But the big question – can he overcome the demons that cost him the US Open and nearly cost him the title on Sunday? – remains unanswered until ’25. I think that’s a big piece of it.

Melton: I don’t think it does much to his mind as winning these titles has never been a problem – it has always been a big four win. Another shiny trophy to add to the collection, but not the one he wants most. I don’t think this streak will be make or break when it comes to tough times in the majors.

Paul Azinger returns to the golf broadcast scene in 2025, as NBC’s top commentator will take on the same role for the PGA Tour Champions (replacing the late Lanny Wadkins). Given how Azinger aired her dirty laundry on her way out the door from NBC last December, are you surprised by this hire? And do you think we’ll see the same version of Azinger that we saw in the booth years ago?

Senses: It’s a little surprising. But it’s a reasonable hire in many ways. Azinger will be bringing together boys of his generation, so he will likely have some interesting anecdotes to share, among other details that add color to the commentary. This time around and he feels like lower stakes and less pressure than his first time in the tower, when he filled the big shoes of Johnny Miller. I would hope – and expect – he’d be comfortable and free-wheeling, making the broadcast even better.

Colgan: I’m very surprised, if only ‘Zinger called his new hires on the Tour a “feeder tour” at LIV less than a year ago. But I also don’t think there are that not many people alive are as qualified to talk about PGA Tour Champions every week as Azinger, so maybe we shouldn’t be too surprised.

Melton: It’s always amazing to see a reunion after burned bridges, but after taking over professional golf in recent years, it’s far from the most dramatic turnaround. I’m not sure his limited time on the Champs Tour TV broadcast will make many waves, though. Most senior tour viewing comes on muted TVs in the muni grill rooms and bars though.

Two of the most popular players in the women’s game, Nelly Korda and Charley Hull, faced off in the final round at The Annika on Sunday, with Korda shooting a 67 to win by one shot. It was also a repeat from the fall, when Hull beat Korda 6 and 4 in Solheim Cup singles. How important is this flexible Korda-Hull to the LPGA? Is he the “rival” the league needs?

Colgan: They’re two of the most marketable players on the LPGA right now, so I’d say it’s important for them to play together on Sunday. But I don’t think one argument is enough to move the needle. I think we have to talk about how to improve the product – the speed of play is one notable area – so that when the stars compete against each other on these big weekends, the fans are encouraged to keep coming back.

Senses: James is so amazing. Rivalry between top players is always welcome. But one argument alone is not a silver bullet. What the magic cure might be is another matter. I’m not sure. The LPGA Tour is full of beautiful players with engaging personalities who are more media-friendly than their male counterparts. Why they are not so popular here – as they are in the Korean artist scene, where they earn more and attract more fans than the boys – has to do with something deeper that makes conversations uncomfortable.

Melton: They are certainly two of the most visible faces in the women’s game, but for it to be a real rivalry, Charley Hull will need to step up her resume a bit. As much of a buzz as he is on social media, his CV is modest with only two LPGA wins in his entire career. Even if the “controversy” is in full bloom, however, it won’t be a fix for the women’s game. As Sens pointed out above, that speaks to deeper issues.

GOLF released its latest ranking of the Top 100 Courses in the US last week, and Pine Valley re-entered the No. 1 and 11 newcomers who made the list. What stands out to you about the latest level? (Editor’s note: Stay tuned for our ranking of the Top 100 Courses to Play that goes live on Tuesday.)

Senses: How much is the list tilting to privacy. I don’t think that’s a flaw in the ratings, it’s just an indication of how the game is going, and how much money there is at the end of the game. Money goes into the restoration of old private clubs, but also into new, more exclusive hideaways. With so many great resorts and daily cost courses these days, it’s becoming increasingly difficult for community golf to compete level-wise.

Colgan: Man, I was shocked at the jump taken by The Lido, a legendary Long Island resort turned Wisconsin resort. It’s climbing to the top 40 in the US, and given its story, it’s probably the community course I’m looking forward to playing.

Melton: Glad to see Philly Cricket sneak into the Top 100 this time. The Wissahickon course has long been one of my favorites in the northeast, so it’s great to see it getting some love in the rankings.