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

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

The Telegraph reported that the PGA of America is considering the proposals and is approaching a structure that would do it pay US Ryder Cup players directly – reportedly $400,000 each – for the first time in the event’s nearly 100-year history. What about the European side? “The European consensus is that we don’t want anything to change what we have here,” Rory McIlroy said, “so we probably won’t get paid for Bethpage, which is perfectly fine.” While much could change next year, how would the dynamic of the Ryder Cup be affected if one side was compensated and the other was not?

Josh Sens, senior writer (@joshsens): All the clichés about the American cult of individualism versus the European belief in the collective good definitely play out in the Ryder Cup dynamic, and that dynamic seems to favor the Europeans. But I’m not sure one side’s salary would make much difference to the competition. What I think would change is the instilling of fan interest. Given a choice between a mercenary team and free-to-play players, I know which side I’d be rooting for every time.

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

Zephyr Melton, assistant editor (@zephyrmelton): My two colleagues nailed this 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 claim his sixth Dubai Tour title. Given his close calls over the past year — US Open, Irish Open — how big was this win to end the year and how important it was to his mojo heading into 2025: very little , somewhat, or a lot?

Meaning: In the grand scheme of things, very little. McIlroy has won many events during his 10-year 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 Dubai Race title to see him overcome the mental game issues that have clearly hampered him in the majors.

Colgan: Psychologically, I think it was a pretty big deal. I think his surprisingly emotional interview after the tournament it proved to be just as true. But the bigger question – can he overcome the demons that cost him the US Open and almost cost him the title on Sunday? — remains unanswered going to ’25. I think that’s the biggest part.

Melts: I don’t think it does much harm to his psyche considering that winning these kinds of titles was never the problem – winning the big four was. Another shiny trophy to add to the collection, but not the one he wants most. I don’t think this winning experience will be make or break when it comes to crunch time in the majors.

Paul Azinger is returning to the golf broadcast booth 2025, as the former NBC lead analyst will assume the same role for the PGA Champions Tour (replacing the since-departed Lanny Wadkins). Given how Azinger aired 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 on the stands in previous years?

Meaning: A little surprising. But a reasonable hire in many ways. Azinger will be covering guys from his generation, so presumably he’ll have some fun personal anecdotes to share, among other insights that add color to the colorful commentary. This time around also feels like less stakes and less pressure than his first time in the tower, when he was filling Johnny Miller’s big shoes. I would hope – and expect – it would be smoother and freer, which also makes for a better transmission.

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

Melts: It’s always a surprise to see a reunion after burnt bridges, but after the twists and turns pro golf has taken in recent years, it’s far from the most stunning change. I’m not sure his limited TV time broadcasting the Champs tour will make many waves. However, most of the footage for the senior tournament comes through silent televisions in the muni grill rooms and bars.

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

Colgan: They’re two of the most marketable players on the LPGA right now, so I’d say it’s significant for the tournament that they played together on Sunday. But I don’t think a single rivalry is enough to move the needle. I think we need to talk about how to improve the product – pace of play is an obvious area – so that when the stars compete against each other on these bigger weekends, the fans are motivated to keep coming back.

Meaning: James nails it big. Rivalries between top players are always welcome. But a rivalry alone is not a silver bullet. What the magic cure might be is another matter. I’m not sure. The LPGA Tour is staffed with great players with engaging personalities who are much more media-friendly than their male counterparts. Why they’re not more popular here — since they’re in the Korean professional circuit, where they earn more and attract more fans than the boys — has to do with deeper currents that create uncomfortable conversations.

Melts: They are undoubtedly two of the most recognizable faces in the women’s game, but for it to be a true rivalry, Charley Hull will need to spruce up her resume a bit. For as much buzz as she generates on social media, her resume is a bit light with just two LPGA wins in her entire career. Even if the “rivalry” fully blossoms, however, it won’t be a solution to the women’s game. As Sens alluded to above, this speaks to some deeper issues.

GOLF published its latest ranking of Top 100 courses in the USA last week, with Pine Valley once again ranked No. 1 and 11 newcomers to the list. What stood out to you from the latest ranking? (Eds. note: Stay tuned for the newest ranking of the 100 best courses to play, which goes live on Tuesday.)

Meaning: How much of the list leans private. I don’t think this is a flaw in the rankings, it’s just a reflection of how the game is going and how much money there is at the higher end of the game. Money is pouring into restorations of grand old private clubs, but also into new super-exclusive lodges. As great as many resorts and daily fee courses are these days, it has become harder for public access golf to compete in the rankings.

Colgan: Man, I was shocked by the jump made by The Lido, the legendary Long Island circuit that turned the tourist course in Wisconsin. It’s in the top 40 in the US, and given its history, it’s probably the public course I’m most eager to play.

Melts: Loved seeing 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 nice to see it get some love in the rankings.