Participant of the Yr, Tiger returns (form of) and extra

Test in each week for the unfiltered opinions of our writers and editors as they break down the most popular subjects within the sport, and be a part of the dialog by tweeting us at @golf_com. This week, we talk about end-of-the-season awards, the Hero World Problem, issues we’re grateful for and extra.

The PGA Tour launched its nominees for the 2024 Jack Nicklaus Award and Arnold Palmer Award, with Scottie Scheffler, Xander Schauffele and Rory McIlroy battling for POY and Nick Dunlap, Max Greyserman, Jake Knapp and Matthieu Pavon nominated for Rookie of the Yr. Any predictions?

Josh Berhow, managing editor (@Josh_Berhow): Scheffler’s seven-win season and the truth that most of them have been in greater occasions might be robust to high, even with Xander’s double-major 12 months. (P.S. Scottie’s Olympic gold doesn’t damage his possibilities, both.) The ROY race ought to be tighter, however not by a lot. Pavon received as soon as and had a pleasant run on the Masters, nevertheless it’s laborious to guess in opposition to the headlines Nick Dunlap made when he grew to become the primary novice to win since Phil and the primary participant to win as an novice and professional in the identical season.

Jessica Marksbury, senior editor (@Jess_Marksbury): Scottie is a lock. When it comes to win high quality, Pavon’s title on the Farmers Insurance coverage Open was most likely the strongest by way of status. However Josh, you make an awesome case for Nick Dunlap. I believe you’re proper. If all wins are equal, doing it as an novice ought to be price double anyway, and Dunlap received one other event too, for good measure. He will get the nod from me.

Dylan Dethier, senior author (@dylan_dethier): It’s Scottie, who had a ridiculous, historic season. However as loopy because it sounds, I believe Scheffler would have traded his season for Schauffele’s till he received the gold medal. A participant’s main rely is his most vital quantity and Schauffele acquired two to Scheffler’s one. However Olympic gold is in a class of its personal; pair that along with his Masters title, add within the Gamers and a bundle of further Tour wins, cap it off with the FedEx Cup title and he’s the clear winner. As for Rookie of the Yr? Dunlap received twice and is due to this fact the straightforward decide. Max Greyserman has proven some red-hot type, although, and will be the man to look at for 2025.

It’s Hero World Problem week, and whereas the 15-time major-winning host received’t be teeing it up, we’ll hear from him in his annual pre-tournament press convention. What are you hoping to be taught from Tiger Woods when he speaks to the media subsequent week?

Berhow: We appear to continually get no-update updates on the state of the pending merger between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf, however hopefully Tiger has just a little extra intel on present happenings and the place all the things stands. As a distinguished determine in golf, if he voices any displeasure or skepticism, it can make waves. However perhaps it’s wishful pondering that even his ideas may have that a lot influence at this level.

Marksbury: I’m nonetheless not prepared for Tiger’s full transition from participant to elder statesman. An replace on the LIV/PGA Tour proceedings can be nice, however I additionally wish to understand how he’s therapeutic from his newest process and if aggressive golf is much away. A tentative schedule of after we can anticipate to see him tee it up subsequent 12 months can be good too.

Dethier: In the intervening time the individuals actually wish to know if Crew Woods might be taking over the PNC. I’m legitimately curious to take his temperature on the TGL, too — how invested and excited is he? However Berhow’s proper that we should always not less than be capable of learn between the traces of no matter sidestep he affords on the PIF-PGA Tour relationship. Principally it’ll be good to see Woods out and about; the world hasn’t seen a lot of him since The Open.

GOLF not too long ago launched its newest rankings of the Prime 100 Programs within the U.S. (together with the public record) and with it some survey outcomes we collected from golf followers such as you. What was essentially the most attention-grabbing nugget you observed?

Berhow: About 1/3 of these surveyed stated they wouldn’t pay greater than $100 to play a Prime 100 Course. Whereas I believe that determine is about proper, I believe it additionally reminds that there’s a big portion of individuals on the market who’re extra into golf for the recreation, sport and camaraderie somewhat than checking off a bucket record gem — and that’s simply advantageous. It’s vital to have programs to assist that, too.

Marksbury: I used to be very stunned at what number of respondents (55 %!) stated a course’s designer issues to them once they’re selecting the place to play. Except I’m headed to a heralded or bucket-list vacation spot through which the designer is mainly synonymous with the course, a given course’s designer is usually one thing I take into consideration after I play, somewhat than earlier than.

Dethier: I used to be simply stunned that 10 % of survey-takers had performed Pine Valley and practically half of you already know somebody who has. I knew you all have been golf sickos, I simply didn’t notice how well-connected you have been.

With a nod to Thanksgiving, what golf second or a part of the sport are you grateful for proper now?

Berhow: Mates to take buddies’ journeys with, slope buttons on rangefinders, good push carts, high-quality brats on the flip and powerful post-round IPAs on patios.

Marksbury: Josh, what a listing! Onerous to high. I’ll go along with that first-tee feeling, when the anticipation is at a excessive and the spherical — and all its potential unrealized glories — remains to be forward of you.

Dethier: Each time you get out on a crisp fall day it simply feels such as you’re stealing one. Grateful for fall golf, for a course with a view and for the aid when the one group holding you up drops out after 9.

And on a distinct be aware, our Josh Sens compiled a listing of our annual ‘Turkey Award‘ winners for 2024, which was a glance again at a few of the extra unsavory headlines from the 12 months. Who or what’s your winner in that class for this 12 months?

Berhow: Oh boy, some worthy candidates little doubt. Onerous to high the mess in Phoenix, though arresting the World No. 1 participant would possibly do this.

Marksbury: Scottie’s arrest, arms down. I’m nonetheless mad about it.

Dethier: There was one thing unusual and hilarious about Matt Kuchar singlehandedly extending the Wyndham Championship into Monday. Most likely much less hilarious for event staffers who needed to come again very first thing, although.