With the golf world already divided over Saudi Arabia’s emergence as a powerful force in the game, another major sport is contending with whether to do business with the kingdom. This time it’s women’s tennis, which pulled out of China last year over concerns for the welfare of a player who accused a Chinese vice … Read more
CROMWELL, Conn. – For the last month, as the upstart, Saudi-backed LIV Golf circuit has poached some of the most widely known players from the established PGA Tour, there has been speculation that eventually the rival organizations might have to learn to coexist. But a passionate Jay Monahan, the PGA Tour’s commissioner, did not sound … Read more
Since March, Brooks Koepka has emphatically denied he would consider joining the breakaway, Saudi-backed LIV Golf series. “Money isn’t going to change my life,” Koepka said at the time with a disdainful sneer. As recently as two weeks ago, Koepka was still telling fellow players he was not interested in leaving the PGA Tour. On … Read more
BROOKLINE, Mass. – As his putt approached the hole on the 18th green on Sunday evening, Will Zalatoris thought he was headed to a thrilling playoff that would determine the US Open champion. All the ball had to do was drop and Zalatoris and Matt Fitzpatrick would settle things in a two-hole playoff. “With about … Read more
BROOKLINE, Mass. – This year’s US Open began as the setting for an unprecedented showdown between golfers who had remained loyal to the established PGA Tour and a breakaway pack of ex-colleagues who recently joined the new, rebel, Saudi-backed LIV Golf series. But the anticipated confrontation at the Country Club outside Boston fizzled in the … Read more
BROOKLINE, Mass. – Midway through the US Open, Collin Morikawa stood atop the leaderboard looking to add a third major championship to his résumé. But on moving day, as Saturdays are called on the PGA Tour, Morikawa went uncharacteristically backward. After a seven-over-par 77, Morikawa found himself six shots off the pace when he teed … Read more
BROOKLINE, Mass. – This year’s US Open began as the setting for an unprecedented showdown between golfers who had remained loyal to the established PGA Tour and a breakaway pack of ex-colleagues who recently joined the new, rebel, Saudi-backed LIV Golf series. But the anticipated confrontation at the Country Club outside Boston fizzled in the … Read more
BROOKLINE, Mass. – The US Open usually waits until the final day of its 72-hole crucible to toy with the world’s best golfers. But perhaps in tribute to the venerable history of this year’s host, vexing conditions – blustery winds, thick rough and fast greens – began to crush the wills and sap the souls … Read more
BROOKLINE, Mass. – As Brooks Koepka strode down the first fairway on a humid Friday morning, one fan shouted his approval of the golfer’s clothing. “It’s a great day to wear white, Brooks. It’s hot out here, ”the fan yelled. “Stay cool baby but don’t be afraid to get hot.” Koepka, wearing a white shirt, … Read more
BROOKLINE, Mass. – As Brooks Koepka strode down the first fairway on a humid Friday morning, one fan shouted his approval of the golfer’s clothing. “It’s a great day to wear white, Brooks. It’s hot out here, ”the fan yelled. “Stay cool baby but don’t be afraid to get hot.” Koepka, wearing a white shirt, … Read more