News
Full field for LIV Golf opener unveiled (with a few surprises)
The field is set for the first tournament of the controversial LIV Golf Series.
The three-round, 54-hole, no-cut inaugural LIV event is set to take place from June 9-11 at the Centurion Club outside of London, England.
Some notable players in the field include Dustin Johnson, Sergio Garcia, Kevin Na, Martin Kaymer, Richard Bland, Louis Oosthuizen, Sam Horsfield, Matt Jones, Brandon Jones, and Talor Gooch.
Here is the full field for the event:
The total purse for the first event is $25 million. $20 million will be awarded in the individual portion of the tournament with $4 million going to the winner.
The PGA TOUR is expected to provide details about what the punishment will be for those competing in the LIV Golf Series shortly. Commissioner Jay Monahan previously said players teeing it up in a LIV Golf event will face suspension and a potential lifetime ban.
GolfWRX is on site this week at the Memorial Tournament, with both Alistair Cameron and Tour Photographer Greg Moore on the ground in Dublin, Ohio, where a strong field is assembled to pay homage to the Golden Bear.
In addition to WITB galleries, we’ve already been treated to an in-hand look at Tommy Fleetwood’s new TaylorMade Spider putters.
Check out links to all our photos below.
General Albums
WITB Albums
- Jason Day – WITB – 2026 The Memorial
- Chris Gotterup – WITB – 2026 The Memorial
- SungJae Im – WITB – 2026 The Memorial
Pullout Albums
- Jason Day’s 1off Payntr golf shoes – 2026 The Memorial
- JT Poston’s TaylorMade Spider – 2026 The Memorial
- Cameron putter – 2026 The Memorial
- Tommy Fleetwood’s TM Spider putters – 2026 The Memorial
- New Mitsubishi Chemical 1K Pro Orange shaft – 2026 The Memorial
Around the world, the golf wheel spun this final week in May of 2026. From New Jersey to Austria, with stops in Korea, Texas, and North Carolina (don’t let me route your next trip) the world’s finest put their golf games on display. There were three playoffs, some known commodities and some new talent. It was the sort of week that we hope to have at this point in the seasons. June and July afford double-digit major events, and perhaps, one of this week’s champions will use this success as a springboard to new heights. Time to run it all down, tech style, in this week’s Tour Tech Rundown.
Thanks to WITBHub, Today’s Golfer, GolfWRX, and Inside Tour Golf for initial research into equipment.
PGA Tour @ Charles Schwab Challenge: Heroic Henley denies Cole
Eric Cole did nearly everything that a fellow can do, to secure a first PGA Tour title. He stayed one shot clear of Ryder Cup player Ben Griffin. He kept US Open champion Gary Woodland and wunderkind Michael Brennan two shots distant. He posted 70 on day four to reach twelve under par. And then, Russell Henley revealed his Dr. Strange cloak. Henley made 47 feet of birdie putts on holes 16, 17, and 18, to jump from minus-nine to twelve-deep, and secured a spot in a playoff with Cole. The duo returned to the final tee, and put on a stripe show.
Both golfers found the fairway off the tee, and Henley improved on his regulation play with an approach to four feet. Cole did himself proud, tucking an iron to a dozen feet, but he was unable to convert the putt for three. Henley is one of the best putters on tour, and he proved it once more by draining a putt for a fourth consecutive birdie, and a sixth PGA Tour title. For Eric Cole, that first victory should come, and soon. He has done everything necessary to earn the chalice lift.
Henley’s Suitcase
- Driver: Titleist TSi3 at 10 degrees. Shaft: Project X HZRDUS Smoke Black 70g 6.5 TX
- Metal: Titleist TS3 at 16.5 degrees. Shaft: Project X HZRDUS Smoke Black 80 TX
- Hybrid: Titleist TSi2 at 21 degrees. Shaft: Mitsubishi MMT hybrid 100 TX
- Iron: Titleist T250 4-iron. Shaft: True Temper Dynamic Golf AMT Tour White X100
- Irons: Titleist T100 5-6 irons. Shaft: True Temper Dynamic Golf AMT Tour White X100
- Irons: Titleist T100 7-9 irons. Shaft: True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue X100
- Wedges: Titleist Vokey Design SM11 at 48 and 50 degrees. Shaft: True Temper Dynamic Golf Tour Issue X100
- Wedges: Titleist Vokey Design SM11 at 54 and 60 degrees. Shaft: rue Temper Dynamic Golf Tour Issue S400
- Putter: Titleist Scotty Cameron T5 Tour Prototype
LPGA @ Shoprite LPGA: Welcome back, Celine!
Soo Bin Joo had her eyes on a maiden LPGA title. She held the lead after two rounds, then hit a red light at the intersection of can-I and how-To. Joo posted plus-two on day three in New Jersey, and dropped to a T4 finish, which was still a career-best for the young Korean golfer. Instead of a new face, a familiar face returned to the top of the podium.
Celine Boutier was the It Girl in 2023. She collected four victories, including a major title at Evian. Boutier reached world number one status, then simply faded into the background. No wins came her way over the next 30 months. On Sunday, she collected LPGA victory number seven, at the same trace as LPGA victory number two.
Day three saw Boutier manage the windswept Seaview Bay course with six birdies and a bogey. She was challenged in the end by Thailand’s Arpichaya Yubol, who signed for a 66 of her own. Yubol came up one shot shy of the top ladder rung. Finishing in third place at -7, two back of the winner, was Ireland’s Lauren Walsh.
Celine’s Suitcase
- Driver: PXG 0311 Black Ops Tour-1 at 9 degrees. Shaft: Graphite Design AD IZ-5
- Hybrid: PXG 0311 Black Ops at 19 and 22 degrees. Shaft: KBS Hybrid Prototype
- Hybrid: PXG 0311 Gen5.
- Iron: PXG 0311 P Gen 4 5-9 irons
- Wedge: PXG 0311 T Gen 4 PW
- Wedges: PXG 0311 Sugar Daddy II at 50, 54, 58 degrees
- Putter: Bettinardi Studio Stock 3 DASS
DP World Tour @ Austrian Alpine: KK? KK!
Kota Kaneko has a rhythmic name. It has strong vowels and a run of voiceless stops in its crunchy K sounds. On Sunday in Austria, Kaneko put a stop to a challenge from Portugal’s Ricardo Gouveia and everyone else, and claimed a first-ever title on the DP World Tour. Gouveia did well to reach 16-under par over four days, but Kaneko held firm, two shots in the clear.
Davis Bryant of the USA also forged a strong challenge for the win. He ended in a tie with Gouveia for second place. Kaneko began and finished his final round in a bit of a malaise, but he caught fire midway through. Birdies at 10, 12, and 13 provided the necessary cushion to cruise to the finish line without breaking a serious sweat.
Kaneko’s Suitcase
- Driver: Ping Max G440
- Metals: TaylorMade Qi4D at 15, 16.5, 21, and 24 degrees
- Irons: TaylorMade P760 5 and 6 irons
- Irons: TaylorMade P7TW 7-9 irons
- Wedges: Titleist Vokey Design at 46, 52, 56, and 60 degrees
- Putter: Odyssey Ai-One Cruiser Arm Lock #7
Korn Ferry Tour @ UNC Health Championship: Improbably Alvaro
Alvaro Ortiz may have had a bit of scare on the outward nine on Sunday, but he came through in clutch fashion in the end. Ortiz began the day bogey-double, and added another double bogey at the 11th hole. He was mired in a downward trend, spiraling away from the top of the leader’s board. Ortiz found hope at the 14th, where his first birdie of the day tumbled home. Inspired, he closed with birdies and 17 and 18 to catch Ross Steelman at 10-under par, and the duo returned to the 18th deck for overtime.
The extra session concluded in brief time. Ortiz, buoyed by his newly-retrieved confidence, hit the fairway with driver, then approached to six feet and drained the putt. Gobsmacked, Steelman could do little more than smile and applaud, as his run at the top came to a close. The victory was the first for Ortiz on the KFT, and will implant him squarely in the chase for a PGA Tour promotion.
Alvaro’s Suitcase
- Driver: Ping G430 MAX driver at 9 degrees loft
- Metal: Ping G430 MAX 3W
- Iron: Ping iDi Driving Iron
- Irons: Ping Blueprint S irons
- Wedges
- Putter: Scottsdale TR Piper C
A party on the green!
Alvaro’s time comes in Raleigh with his first win @UNCHealthChamp ? pic.twitter.com/2dmtZdbSzk
— Korn Ferry Tour (@KornFerryTour) May 31, 2026
LIV @ Korea: Me llamo Joaquin
Chile’s Joaquin Niemann had been away from the LIV winner’s circle throughout all of 2026. This week in Korea, he reminded us that he is still a force to consider. Niemann chased down Taylor Gooch over the closing holes at Asiad Country Club, then claimed victory with a hole-one birdie in extra time. Bryson DeChambeau claimed solo third, one shot in arrears at minus-eleven. Dustin Johnson finished on fourth, one putt farther back.
Niemann’s Suitcase
- Driver: Ping 440 LST
- Metal: Ping G440 Max at 15 degrees
- Metal: Ping G425 Max at 21 degrees
- Hybrid: Ping G430 at 25 degrees
- Irons: Ping Blueprint S 5 through PW
- Wedges: Ping S159 at 52, 56, and 60 degrees
- Putter: Ping PLD Anser
Driver: Titleist TSi3 (10 degrees)
Shaft: Project X HZRDUS Smoke Black 70 6.5 TX
3-wood: Titleist TS3 (16.5 degrees)
Shaft: Project X HZRDUS Smoke Black 80 TX
7-wood: Titleist GTS3 (21 degrees)
Shaft: Project X Denali Black 80 TX
Irons: Titleist T250 (4), Titleist T100 (5-9)
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold AMT (4-6), True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue S400 (7-9)
Wedges: Titleist Vokey Design SM11 (48-10F @47, 50-08F @51, 54-10S @55, 60-04T)
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue X100 (48), S400 (47)
Putter: Scotty Cameron Phantom X5 Tour Prototype
Grips: Golf Pride Tour Velvet
Ball: Titleist Pro V1x
Aaron Rai’s winning WITB: 2026 PGA Championship
Russell Henley’s winning WITB: 2026 Charles Schwab Challenge
Photos from the 2026 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
CJ Cup Byron Nelson Tour Report: Koepka and Kim’s newest putters finally get hot
Charles Schwab Challenge Tour Report: MacIntyre, Åberg and Spaun all switch putters, TaylorMade launches new Spider
Details on J.J. Spaun’s surprise putter switch
GolfWRX Launch Report: 2026 Titleist GTS drivers
Photos from the 2026 Charles Schwab Challenge
PGA Championship Tour Report: Fitzpatrick, Koepka among big-name putter switches for Aronimink
Photos from the ShopRite LPGA
Maria Torres WITB 2026 (June)
Driver: Ping G440 LST (9 degrees) Shaft: Accra TourZ Green 5-M4 3-wood: Ping G440 Max (15 degrees) Shaft: Accra TourZ Green 6-M4 5-wood: Ping G440...
Eric Cole WITB 2026 (June)
Driver: PXG Lightning Tour Max (9 degrees) Shaft: Project X Titan Yellow 70 TX 3-wood: TaylorMade Qi4D (15 degrees) Shaft:...
Si Woo Kim WITB 2026 (May)
Driver: Callaway Quantum Triple Diamond (8.5 degrees) Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Black 6 X Mini driver: Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Mini...
Wyndham Clark’s winning WITB: 2026 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
Driver: TaylorMade Qi4D (10.5 degrees) Shaft: Project X Titan Yellow 60 TX 3-wood: TaylorMade Qi4D Tour (15 degrees) Shaft: Project...
Disgusted Guy
Jun 9, 2022 at 7:17 am
Who knew Rory was such a sage? He said decisions solely based on money rarely end well. Well done that man!
I hope the PGA tour breaks it off in their butts. Money grabbing over pampered bums.
This won’t end well for the B players that jumped. Can’t compete on the “real” tour and as long as Bernhard is on the senior tour they can’t win there. If we never hear from Johnson, Garcia, Westwood or McDowell again we will be OK. Was always a massive Phil fan but a dumb move on his part.
Name a major sport ($$$$) that isn’t a monopoly? WNBA excluded.
Don’t like the rules move on and find another way to make a living. This one has a stink that won’t go away.
The $40 mil Phil pissed away gambling would have changed the life of generations of your family if used properly. It all came from being a member of the PGA tour. He’s doing OK.
If you look at the players that jumped there is a common thread- waning skills due to age, never had top skills, want the big payday at the end, etc.
They really don’t care about the game or giving back.
Remember what Sergio said- I can’t wait to get out of here.
Screw ‘em.
Pingback: The ‘mind-blowingly enormous’ offer Tiger Woods reportedly turned down from LIV Golf – GolfWRX
dave d
Jun 2, 2022 at 2:21 pm
This whole thing is clearly all about Greg Norman wanting to get paid untold millions per year simply to be Greg Norman…visible, charismatic, feisty.
He found some suckers (the Saudis) to fulfill his dream. What do you figure he’s making per year on this as leader? $10M? $50M $100M? Sadly, the players choosing to participate will be collateral damage as Norman takes a huge check from the Saudis for a year or two — as long as this fantasy can be sustained, which won’t be long with this kind of a field — and Norman will walk away with a bunch of money, no harm done.
Pingback: ‘Love that for us’ – Multiple LPGA Tour champ takes aim at LIV Golf ahead of US Women’s Open – GolfWRX
Brian
Jun 1, 2022 at 11:09 am
Ironic that Poulter would job a social media boycott to protest racial discrimination by users on the platforms but he’ll happily take money from a royal family that openly discriminates against 50% of its own citizens.
Jafar
Jun 1, 2022 at 10:25 am
The number of high ranking amateur players should be the biggest concern for the PGA. Why grind it out on the KF Tour when you can bank 20 million out the gate.
Don
Jun 1, 2022 at 10:23 am
Some will sell their integrity for the almighty dollar, if they even had any.
derek gzaskow
Jun 1, 2022 at 9:06 am
um, where’s Phil I thought he was going? $75 per day not bad for Pumpkin ridge, Tulsa was 250 per day, let the ;lawsuits commence!
Pingback: Amateur golfer has reportedly received an unbelievable sum to play in LIV Golf series – GolfWRX
Chad
Jun 1, 2022 at 8:51 am
I hope this tour runs the PGA into the ground.
Hopp
Jun 1, 2022 at 8:21 am
Here is the list of people chasing money to replace their integrity.
Gary
Jun 1, 2022 at 8:25 am
Yeah, like the LPGA, The NBA, NASCAR and all the other sport entities who play in Saudi sponsored events and territories.
Geno452
Jun 1, 2022 at 4:46 pm
NBA?… NASCAR?…. LPGA (actually it is the Ladies European Tour not the LPGA) Don’t know where you came up with NASCAR and NBA but… hey… I don’t know everything either.
Gary
Jun 1, 2022 at 8:29 am
Yeah, like the LPGA, The NBA, Nascar, The European Tour and all the rest of sports entities who play in events taking place and/or sponsored by/or with Saudi groups. So much hypocrisy and dishonesty.
Pingback: RBC ‘extremely disappointed’ with ambassador Dustin Johnson’s decision to play LIV Golf opener – GolfWRX
Bob
Jun 1, 2022 at 12:15 am
Well, bye. C-list losers and has-beens.
LOL.
reqq
Jun 1, 2022 at 5:41 am
you’re not wrong lol.. whos gonna watch that..like zero hype
Gary
Jun 1, 2022 at 8:23 am
Congrats to Johnson, Garcia, Na and all the rest for having the courage to stand up to the PGA and its dictatorial regime. Pro Golfers are independent agents and are allowed to practice their craft wherever and whenever they wish. The PGA needs to be sued.
Jed
Jun 1, 2022 at 9:58 am
Comedian
John Krug
Jun 1, 2022 at 10:09 am
Laughable comment.
Gary
Jun 1, 2022 at 3:11 pm
I guess we will see how funny it all is if and/or when it ends up in court. Time will tell.
Brian
Jun 1, 2022 at 11:10 am
You’re right. They should jump ship from one “dictatorial” regime and take their paychecks from an ACTUAL dictatorial regime.
Geno452
Jun 1, 2022 at 5:16 pm
First off.. it’s the PGA TOUR not the PGA. Big difference there. Also if the players are independent contractors, which they are, they can pretty much play when and where they want. The PGA Tour as an organization is well within it’s rights to say who can and cannot play in one of it’s events. They are not beholding to any of the players that play on their tour. If you want to play in a PGA TOUR event and can meet their qualifications then you can play. If one of their qualifications happens to be the fact that if you play on the LIV Tour you don’t meet the qualifications for the PGA TOUR then…. well then that’s it… you don’t qualify. So I wish anyone that tries to sue good luck… they’ll need it.
Tomas
Jun 1, 2022 at 5:58 pm
The PGA tour can give A Job to however they whishes
RJ
Jun 2, 2022 at 10:50 am
What? The tour is run by the players. There is no owner it’s a player run organization. Plus it’s a charitable organization that helps to donate millions to various charities at each event. It has made these greedy, morally bankrupt players millions and does so many things to help them it’s ridiculous. You have no clue what your taking about