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Morning 9: Tour Championship starting positions | Ryder Cup locks | New TGL sponsor

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By Ben Alberstadt with Gianni Magliocco.

For comments: [email protected]

Good Tuesday morning, golf fans, as we gear up for the tour finale at East Lake.

1. Starting strokes for East Lake

10 under…Scottie Scheffler

8 under…Viktor Hovland

7 under…Rory McIlroy

6 under…Jon Rahm

5 under…Lucas Glover

4 under…Max Homa, Patrick Cantlay, Brian Harman, Wyndham Clark, Matt Fitzpatrick

3 under…Tommy Fleetwood, Russell Henley, Keegan Bradley, Rickie Fowler, Xander Schauffele

2 under…Tom Kim, Sungjae Im, Tony Finau, Corey Conners, Si Woo Kim

1 under…Taylor Moore, Nick Taylor, Adam Schenk, Collin Morikawa, Jason Day

Even par…Sam Burns, Emiliano Grillo, Tyrrell Hatton, Jordan Spieth, Sepp Straka

Full piece.

2. Ryder Cup locks

Shane Ryan gets you caught up…”What’s changed…the standings are now LOCKED. The captain’s picks won’t happen until after next week’s Tour Championship is over, but we have six automatic qualifiers who can expect their team uniforms to arrive in the mail any day now. All of their spots were already very, very secure, so it doesn’t change a whole lot to know that Scottie Scheffler, Wyndham Clark, Brian Harman, Patrick Cantlay, Max Homa and Xander Schauffele are officially on the team heading to Italy.”

  • “What’s more intriguing is that Brooks Koepka dropped out of the top six at the absolute last moment, and by an incredibly slim margin. To pat myself on the back a bit, I called this possibility after the Open Championship, when Koepka didn’t finish high enough to insulate himself from the challengers who were on the verge of earning big money and big standings points at the FedEx Cup Playoffs while he would be stuck in place as a LIV Golf guy.”
Full piece.

3. Scheffler stymied

Golf Channel’s Ryan Lavner…”Up ahead, Hovland was putting the finishing touches on the round of his life – a back-nine 28 that gave him a sizzling Sunday 61 – and Scheffler couldn’t match him. Scheffler doubted his read on a 6-foot birdie putt on 16 and missed. Behind for the first time all day, he then three-putted from 21 feet on 17, including a miss from 4 feet. Hovland watched from the locker room as Scheffler’s last-ditch eagle try from the fairway came up short.”

  • “I’m just a bit frustrated,” said Scheffler, who wound up two shots behind Hovland’s winning total of 17-under 263. “I think that would be the way to describe it. Viktor went out and really just beat me today and played a fantastic round. I can hold my head high – I did my best out there today and fought hard. Just ultimately came up a couple shots short.”
  • “Scheffler’s late wobble will do little to shift the attention away from his suspect putting…His ball-striking this season has been at a level that hasn’t been seen since Tiger Woods’ prime. Entering the week, Scheffler was gaining 2.69 strokes on the field with his ball-striking – the second-best figure in the ShotLink era (since 2004), when Tiger Woods was 2.98 in 2006.”
Full piece.

4. Latest TGL sponsor announced

Jay Coffin for Golf Digest…”Three down, three to go. TGL, the new tech golf league created by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy announced Monday that its third of six teams will be based in Atlanta and owned by Arthur Blank, owner of the football’s Atlanta Falcons and soccer’s Atlanta United.”

  • “The first season of what is being billed as a tech-forward, primetime, team golf league launches in January 2024. It was previously announced that Alexis Ohanian, Serena Williams and Venus Williams will lead Los Angeles Golf Club while Fenway Sports Group will lead the TGL Boston team.”
Full piece.

5. Walters: Mickelson could have saved me from going to prison

Our Matt Vincenzi…According to Billy Walters new book “Gambler: Secrets From a Life at Risk”, Phil Mickelson could have prevented Walters from going to prison. Walters was indicted on insider trading charges in May of 2016, and was sentenced to five years in prison as a result.

  • In his book, the now 77-year-old shared that he asked Phil to testify that he didn’t give him any inside information, which he claims is true.
  • “All Phil had to do was publicly say it. He refused,” Walters wrote.
  • Speaking on CNN’s This Morning, Walters said:
  • “There was only one witness who testified against me in the case,” Walters explained. “Prior to the trial, this gentleman had given a voluntary interview two years prior to that.”
  • “He denied emphatically he ever gave them insider information. Later, he’d learned that he embezzled money from a battered woman’s charity, he had filed a fraudulent tax return, he had given someone else insider information. Two years later, he went in and changed his story. That’s the only witness against me.
  • “My lawyers and I also believed, during the trial, they destroyed his credibility. We caught him in a minimum of 25 lies. He had no credibility whatsoever.
  • “He was the only person who testified against me. So if Phil had came forward and testified that I — that whoever gave him insider information, to answer your question, Poppy, no, I don’t think I would have been convicted.”
Full piece.

6. No uptick in heckling

David Purdum for ESPN…”The PGA Tour said Monday that it has not seen an uptick in spectators attempting to distract golfers — potentially for betting purposes — since legal sports gambling began spreading around the nation.”

  • “Laura Neal, the PGA Tour’s executive vice president of brand communications, told ESPN on Monday that security teams will take “swift and immediate action to protect the integrity of the competition” but added that no new measures have been in place.”
Full piece.

7. Doak to design Valderrama II

Golf Business News report…”La Zagaleta has commissioned Tom Doak to design a new championship golf course in the Sotogrande area of Spain.”

  • “The project – historically known as Valderrama II – already has all the planning permits in place to begin construction and will be Doak’s first design in Spain and the second in Continental Europe.”
  • “The Majarambuz Club will be located within a parcel of land to the east of Real Club Valderrama and San Roque Club and to the north of La Hacienda Links. The owners are aiming for it to be one of the most exclusive in Europe, with membership by invitation only, which will be limited to around 300. Access to the course will be limited to members and their guests, and users of the resort’s hotel and branded residences, which will be part of the development.”
Full piece.

8. Golf course worker stung 2,000 times

Golfweek report…”A maintenance worker at an Arizona golf course was stung nearly 2,000 times after he came upon a beehive, according to officials from the Arizona Fire and Medical Authority.”

  • “The incident took place at Pebblebrook Golf Course, which was one of the first golf courses built at the Sun City West retirement development on the city’s west side.”
Full piece.

9. Reminder: GolfWRXMembers Choice results are live

  • If you’ve missed GolfWRXers’ selections for the best driver, irons, fairway wood, wedges, putter, and more, hit the link below.
Full piece.

Ben Alberstadt is the Editor-in-Chief at GolfWRX, where he’s led editorial direction and gear coverage since 2018. He first joined the site as a freelance writer in 2012 after years spent working in pro shops and bag rooms at both public and private golf courses, experiences that laid the foundation for his deep knowledge of equipment and all facets of this maddening game. Based in Philadelphia, Ben’s byline has also appeared on PGATour.com, Bleacher Report...and across numerous PGA DFS and fantasy golf platforms. Off the course, Ben is a committed cat rescuer and, of course, a passionate Philadelphia sports fan. Follow him on Instagram @benalberstadt.

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Tour Photo Galleries

Photos from the 2026 Memorial Tournament

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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

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Tour Tech Rundown: Heroic Henley

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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

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

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Russell Henley’s winning WITB: 2026 Charles Schwab Challenge

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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

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