Tour Confidential: Rory’s big win, Ryder Cup money, LPGA rivalry

Check in every week for the unfiltered opinions of our writers and editors as they break down the hottest topics in the sport, and join the conversation by tweeting us at @golf_com. This week, we discuss a potential Ryder Cup payment structure, Rory McIlroy’s latest win, the LPGA’s newest rivalry and more.

The Telegraph reported the PGA of America is considering proposals and nearing a structure that would pay U.S. 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 European consensus is we don’t want anything to change what we have over here,” said Rory McIlroy, “so we probably won’t be getting paid for Bethpage, which is totally fine.” While lots can change in the next year, how would the Ryder Cup dynamic be affected if one side was compensated and the other wasn’t?

Josh Sens, senior writer (@joshsens): All the cliches about the American cult of individualism vs the European belief in the collective good definitely play out in Ryder Cup dynamics, and those dynamics sure seem to favor the Europeans. But I’m not sure one side getting paid would change much about the competition. What I think it would change is fan rooting interest. Given a choice between a mercenary team and players willing to play for free, I know which side I’d pull for every time. 

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

Zephyr Melton, assistant editor (@zephyrmelton): My two colleagues nailed it in the replies above. I’m not sure there’s any more 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 clinch his sixth Race to Dubai title. Given his close calls over the past year — U.S. Open, Irish Open — how big was this victory to end the year and how important was it for his mojo heading into 2025: very little, somewhat, or a lot?

Sens: In the grand scheme, very little. McIlroy has won plenty of events during his 10-year major drought. What he hasn’t won are the individual events he says mean the most to him. Maybe the swing changes he says he’s working on will get him over the hump this coming season. But I don’t expect another Race to Dubai title to get him past the mental-game issues that have pretty clearly been getting in his way in majors.

Colgan:  Psychologically, I think it was a pretty big deal. I think his surprisingly emotional interview after the tournament proved as much to be true. But the bigger question — can he defeat the demons that cost him the U.S. Open and nearly cost him the title on Sunday? — remains unanswered heading into ‘25. I think that’s the bigger piece of it. 

Melton: I don’t think it does a whole heck of a lot for his psyche considering winning these sorts of titles has never been the issue — it’s been winning in the four big ones. Another shiny trophy to add to the collection, but not the one he wants most. I don’t think this winning experience is gonna be make or break when it comes crunch time in the majors.

Paul Azinger is returning to the golf broadcasting booth 2025, as the former NBC lead analyst will take over the same role for the PGA Tour Champions (replacing the since-departed Lanny Wadkins). Given how Azinger aired dirty laundry on his 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 we saw in the booth previous years?

Sens: A bit surprising. But a sensible hire in a lot of ways. Azinger will be covering guys from his own generation, so presumably he’ll have some fun personal anecdotes to share, among other insights that add color to color commentary. This time around also feels like lower stakes and less pressure than his first time in the tower, when he was filling the big shoes of Johnny Miller. I would hope – and expect–he’ll be more relaxed and freewheeling, which also makes for a better broadcast.

News

Colgan: I’m pretty surprised, if only because ‘Zinger called his new employers at the Tour a “feeder” tour to LIV less than a year ago. But I also don’t think there are that many people alive who are qualified to speak about the PGA Tour Champions each week like Azinger is, so perhaps we shouldn’t be too shocked.

Melton: It’s always a surprise to see a reunion after burned bridges, but after the twists and turns pro golf has taken in recent years, it’s far from the most stunning reversal. I’m not sure his limited time on TV broadcasting the Champs Tour will make many waves, though. Most of the views for the senior tour come via muted TVs in muni grill rooms and bars anyways.

Two of the women’s game’s most popular players, Nelly Korda and Charley Hull, faced off in the final grouping at The Annika on Sunday, with Korda ultimately shooting 67 to win by one shot. It was also somewhat of a rematch dating back to the fall, when Hull beat Korda 6 and 4 in Solheim Cup singles. How important is this Korda-Hull dynamic for the LPGA? Is it the “rivalry” the league needs?

Colgan: They’re two of the most marketable players in the LPGA right now, so I’d say it is important for the tour that they played together on Sunday. But I don’t think one singular rivalry is enough to move the needle. I think we should be talking about how to improve the product — pace of play is one notable area — so that when stars compete against one another during these bigger weekends, fans are incentivized to keep coming back.

Sens: James pretty much nails it. Rivalries between top players are always welcome. But one rivalry alone isn’t a silver bullet. What the magic cure might be is another matter. I’m not sure. The LPGA Tour is stocked with great players with engaging personalities who are far more media-friendly than their male counterparts. Why they aren’t more popular here — as they are on the Korean professional circuit, where they earn more and draw more fans than the guys — has to do with something deeper currents that make for uncomfortable conversations.

Melton: They’re definitely two of the most recognizable faces in the women’s game, but for it to be a true rivalry, Charley Hull is going to need to beef up her resume a bit. For as much buzz as she generates on social media, her CV is a bit light with just two LPGA wins in her entire career. Even if the “rivalry” does fully blossom, though, it’s not going to be a fix-all for the women’s game. As Sens alluded to above, that speaks to some deeper issues.

GOLF released its latest ranking of the Top 100 Courses in the U.S. last week, with Pine Valley yet again coming in at No. 1 and 11 newcomers making the list. What stood out to you about the latest ranking? (Eds. note: Stay tuned for our newest Top 100 Courses You Can Play ranking that goes live on Tuesday.)

Sens: Just how much of the list tilts private. I don’t think that’s a flaw in the rankings, it’s simply a reflection of the way the game is drifting, and how much money there is at the higher end of the game. Money is pouring into restorations of great old private clubs, but also into super-exclusive new hideaways. As great as many resorts and daily-fee courses are these days, it’s gotten harder for public-access golf to compete rankings-wise.

Colgan: Man, I was shocked by the jump taken by The Lido, the mythical Long Island routing turned Wisconsin resort course. It’s up into the top 40 in the U.S., and given its story, it’s probably the public course I’m most eager to play. 

Melton: I enjoyed seeing Philly Cricket sneak into the Top 100 this time around. The Wissahickon course has long been one of my favorite in the northeast, so it’s nice to see it get some love in the rankings.