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Newsweek
2 days ago
- Business
- Newsweek
Jordan Spieth Gives Specifics on How New PGA Tour CEO Will Make a Difference
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Jordan Spieth is among the stacked field at the Travelers Championship for the last 2025 PGA Tour Signature Event. The Tour also recently announced that it has a new CEO, Brian Rolapp, as it appears that Jay Monahan will step down at the end of next season. Spieth met with Rolapp on Tuesday and weighed in on his first impressions of the new head honcho. "I thought his comments to the players that were there— I really, really liked him," Spieth said. "I think he seems like a steal from the most successful sports organization in the world and someone who is on the path to becoming potentially commissioner over there, to coming over and taking the PGA TOUR forward." Those are bold words from Spieth, but he seemed to be impressed by Rolapp for a few reasons. The new boss seems to have ideas to help the game grow even more. CROMWELL, CONNECTICUT - JUNE 18: Jordan Spieth looks on at the eleventh hole prior to the Travelers Championship 2025 at TPC River Highlands on June 18, 2025 in Cromwell, Connecticut. CROMWELL, CONNECTICUT - JUNE 18: Jordan Spieth looks on at the eleventh hole prior to the Travelers Championship 2025 at TPC River Highlands on June 18, 2025 in Cromwell, Connecticut. Photo by"I think he resonated with some of the players about challenging some of the networks on how they're showing the product," he continued. "Being open and willing to adapt and change while maintaining the integrity of the game — he said all the right things. From other players to people that are sponsors that have reached out to me since, have all been super excited about that hire and that we're very lucky to have him." For years, fans have complained about how the PGA Tour chooses to broadcast its product. Many feel there are better ways to do it, but there has not been much change. It seems Rolapp wants to make some of those necessary fixes to make golf more enjoyable, and he mentioned that right away. The emphasis on improving the product should show that this hire could be just what the PGA Tour needs to keep moving forward. Spieth also noted that Rolapp encourages players to contact him with their perspectives. He wants to know how to make things better for professional golf. "It just seems like he can bring a wealth of experience in a lot of places," Spieth noted. "He's super open to learning more about golf and the PGA TOUR's business and the product itself from those that know more about it until he gets caught up." The former Texas Longhorn clearly likes him so far, and it appears that other players, like World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, also like what Rolapp has said so far. Tiger Woods, who was on the search committee, also seems excited about the new hire. Time will tell, but it seems like the new CEO is off to a quick start. More Golf: Paige Spiranac Has Hilarious Request of New PGA Tour CEO
Newsweek
2 days ago
- Sport
- Newsweek
Jordan Spieth Crushes Beers and Wings to Get Over U.S. Open Misery
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. "I didn't eat or drink the way I normally do there," Jordan Spieth said as he arrived in Connecticut for the final PGA Tour Signature Event, the Travelers Championship. Spieth is among a talented field ready to battle for another $20 million purse. The 3-time major winner wasn't talking about a nutrition slip-up mid-tournament—he was referring to his post-U.S. Open decompression session at Buffalo Wild Wings. CROMWELL, CONNECTICUT - JUNE 18: Jordan Spieth looks on at the eleventh hole prior to the Travelers Championship 2025 at TPC River Highlands on June 18, 2025 in Cromwell, Connecticut. (Photo by)... CROMWELL, CONNECTICUT - JUNE 18: Jordan Spieth looks on at the eleventh hole prior to the Travelers Championship 2025 at TPC River Highlands on June 18, 2025 in Cromwell, Connecticut. (Photo by) More Getty Images "Had a few beers Sunday," Spieth admitted. "We were waiting on the Schefflers to come over here, and he [Scottie Scheffler] was after the delay, so I went to Buffalo Wild Wings with Michael [Greller, Spieth's caddie]." The 2025 U.S. Open at Oakmont was a brutal test for everyone. Wyndham Clark reportedly frustratedly destroyed a piece of the locker room. Rory McIlroy demolished a tee marker, threw his club a few times and even got sassy with the media. While Spieth did not break any Oakmont property, the 31-year-old entered the final round at 6-over-par, limped to a T23 after carding 2-over par. It came with bogeys on 17 and 18. "Most of the time it's very, very good," Spieth expressed of his usual post-round routine. How did @JordanSpieth unwind after Oakmont? He crushed beers and wings... — Jamie Kennedy (@jamierkennedy) June 18, 2025 "But sometimes post-U.S. Open, I just kind of needed to throw a few back. And then by yesterday I was good. I'm still young enough that it doesn't bother me the next day". Jordan Spieth's Oakmont grind came just weeks after another major letdown At the PGA Championship last month, Spieth's bid to complete the Career Grand Slam fell short again. He missed the cut at Quail Hollow, extending his drought for another year. The 31-year-old has been chasing that elusive Wanamaker Trophy since 2017, and while his game has shown flashes, injuries have complicated the journey. After undergoing wrist surgery in August 2024 to repair a tendon issue that had plagued him since 2018, Spieth returned cautiously in early 2025. His comeback included a strong solo fourth finish at both the WM Phoenix Open and the CJ Cup Byron Nelson. That said, one can not ignore his struggles. Spieth missed cuts at Genesis and finished 59th at The Players. Since that tournament, his worst finish was a T36 at the Charles Schwab Challenge, outside the missed cut at the PGA Championship. Despite the inconsistency, he has remained upbeat. "I'm trying to give myself some time," he said earlier this year after the Charles Schwab Challenge. "Just a lot less guessing, more confidence in what I'm doing, and sticking to it is really what I'm looking forward to." That patience was tested at Oakmont, where he finished nine shots behind champion J.J. Spaun. But if his Buffalo Wild Wings detour is any indication, Spieth is learning to reset quickly. "I woke up this morning and feel ready and fresh," he said Wednesday. "That's what you're looking for. If you can get there by Wednesday morning, we're good to go". Now ranked No. 37 in the FedExCup standings and No. 22 in Ryder Cup points, Spieth is grinding through his 10th event in 12 weeks. The Travelers Championship offers a softer landing after Oakmont's punishment, and while he's not chasing perfection, he's chasing peace. "Sometimes," he said, "you just need to throw a few back." More Golf: Tiger Woods Breaks Silence on New PGA Tour CEO
USA Today
3 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
2025 Travelers Championship offers a relaxed birdie-fest after the U.S. Open grind
2025 Travelers Championship offers a relaxed birdie-fest after the U.S. Open grind After the grind at Oakmont, TPC River Highlands offers a friendly atmosphere, a stacked field, and a course that yields low scores. CROMWELL, Conn. – Golf fans who were white-knuckled last week watching the U.S. Open, squinting their eyes as Oakmont Country Club battered, bruised, and at times, humiliated the game's best players, might want to keep their seatbelts buckled. Not because the 2025 Travelers Championship will be another grindfest. Quite the opposite. If the U.S. Open is like pushing a broken lawn mower on a hot summer day, then the Travelers Championship, this week's PGA Tour Signature Event at TPC River Highlands, is like sitting under an umbrella on the porch, cold beverage in hand, admiring the freshly-cut grass. Here, players will transition from survival mode to chill mode — and maybe enjoy a little New Haven-style pizza. This year's Travelers Championship field boasts 18 of the top 20 players on the Official World Golf Ranking, a $20 million purse, with $3.6 million going to the winner, along with guys who are ready to shoot low scores. Really low scores. TPC River Highlands contrast is the charm In 2022, Xander Schauffele went 63-63 on the weekend to win at 261 (19 under). In 2023, Keegan Bradley shot 62-63 over the first two rounds and finished at 257 (23-under par). Last year, Scottie Scheffler and Tom Kim tied at 22-under after four rounds, with Scheffler winning in a playoff. These are not scorecards you see at Oakmont, Winged Foot or Pinehurst No. 2. TPC River Highlands, which plays to a par of 70, is one of the shortest courses on the PGA Tour — measuring just 6,844 yards — and it rewards precision, imagination, and hot putters. A 65 here doesn't raise eyebrows, but a 71 does. Last year, Cameron Young shot 59 in the third round, but folks in the Nutmeg State are still buzzing about Jim Furyk's all-time PGA Tour scoring record, a 58 he carded in the fourth round back in 2016. That's not a typo. Fifty-eight. He birdied half the holes and never looked like he broke a sweat. 'We're at a point in the schedule when guys are competitively sharp,' said Tony Finau. 'This is not early in the season, this is not the middle of the season, we're coming to the end of the season. We've got three majors under our belt, a lot of Signature Events under our belt and a lot of competition. So, everybody is sharp and everybody is playing great golf. Now that the Travelers is a Signature Event, this is an event that a lot of guys circle on their calendar. They want to play well here and win.' Year Champion Round 1 Score Final Score (To‑Par) 2024 Scottie Scheffler 65 (−5) 258 (−22) 2023 Keegan Bradley 62 (−8) 257 (−23) 2022 Xander Schauffele 63 (−7) 261 (−19) 2021 Harris English 65 (−5) 267 (−13) 2020 Dustin Johnson 69 (−1) 261 (−19) 2019 Chez Reavie 65 (−5) 263 (−17) 2018 Bubba Watson 70 (E) 263 (−17) 2017 Jordan Spieth 63 (−7) 268 (−12) 2016 Russell Knox 67 (−3) 266 (−14) 2015 Bubba Watson 62 (−8) 264 (−16) Average 65.1 263 (-17) Travelers Week has appeal for Scottie Scheffler, other stars Despite being an event that comes after one of golf's four majors, the Travelers has carved out a spot as a can't-miss tournament on the calendar. 'When I think about the Travelers in general, I think of how fun it is, how fun the week is for me and for my family,' said defending champion Scottie Scheffler. 'It's a week in which the players and our families and our caddies get treated as good as we do all year. If you ask any caddie on tour what's his favorite event, it's probably going to be the Travelers Championship.' Top-ranked players have been showing up for years thanks to strong relationships tournament organizers have made with them, but chartered flights from West Coast U.S. Open venues have helped, too. So has the event's elevation to Signature Event status, but perks and amenities still abound, like the pizza truck in the practice area, which makes custom pies to complement the espresso and ice cream bar that is there all week. 'I think the most welcoming thing here is the hospitality, how nice everyone is treated and how sort of comfy everything is here,' Xander Schauffele said recently. 'Our caddies have courtesy cars this week, and that's the extent of how Travelers has gone to make everyone feel comfortable, and I think it's an awesome thing.' Rain fell on TPC River Highlands on Tuesday, with a chance of more showers dampening and softening the course on Thursday as temperatures rise through the 70s and into the high 80s. By Saturday and Sunday, golfers and fans at the Travelers Championship will get to enjoy classic New England summer conditions, with temperatures near 90 degrees with plenty of humidity. Regardless, coming just a few days after the pressure and stress of the U.S. Open, the Travelers Championship will provide a welcome, albeit challenging, relief.
Newsweek
01-06-2025
- Sport
- Newsweek
Rory McIlroy to Face the Music at PGA Tour RBC Canadian Open
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Amid the excitement surrounding the final round of the Memorial Tournament, Rory McIlroy is back in the news, even though he is not competing. On Sunday, it was announced that the Northern Irishman will hold a press conference next Wednesday as part of the activities leading up to the RBC Canadian Open. Naturally, this isn't just another press conference; it's a highly anticipated event for fans. It will be the first time McIlroy has spoken publicly since his driver was famously deemed as non-conforming ahead of the PGA Championship. 🚨🎤⛳️ #NEW — Rory McIlroy is scheduled to meet the media on Wednesday after the pro-am at the RBC Canadian Open. The availability will be the first time Rory will have taken questions since declining requests for 4 consecutive days at the PGA Championship. @TrackingRory — NUCLR GOLF (@NUCLRGOLF) June 1, 2025 As you may recall, the United States Golf Association (USGA) tested the five-time major winner's driver before the second major of the season. The club failed the test, and McIlroy had to play with a backup. Once the PGA Championship started at Quail Hollow, McIlroy didn't speak to the press at all, whether because of his driver, his poor performance during the tournament, or both. His decision to skip the Memorial Tournament was equally surprising, if not more so. The PGA Tour Signature Event is hosted by legendary golfer Jack Nicklaus, and McIlroy has attended it every year since 2018. Journalists had hoped to speak with McIlroy at the Muirfield Village Golf Club, but that did not happen. After the USGA declared his driver non-conforming, numerous fans took to social media to question his recent successes, including his victory at the Masters Tournament, which completed his career Grand Slam. Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland looks on during the final round of the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow Country Club on May 18, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland looks on during the final round of the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow Country Club on May 18, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images However, many others defended the 29-time PGA Tour winner, arguing that situations like this with drivers are normal and happen all the time. The USGA corroborated this as well. In fact, one of the drivers tested alongside McIlroy's was Scottie Scheffler's, which was also declared non-conforming. Scheffler went on to win the tournament despite playing with a backup. However, the incident generated all sorts of comments. A very talked-about one was made by Lucas Glover on his SiriusXM PGA Tour radio show, where he stated that many players avoid these tests by cheating. According to Glover, these players submit other drivers for testing instead of their competition ones. Collin Morikawa's response to these claims also received a lot of attention. The two-time major winner said that no player would have such an attitude because using one driver instead of another wouldn't provide a significant advantage. More Golf: PGA Tour star's tragic accident at Memorial led to meeting wife
Straits Times
14-05-2025
- Sport
- Straits Times
Austria's Straka happy to fly under radar at Quail Hollow
CHARLOTTE, North Carolina - Austria's Sepp Straka enjoys flying under the radar but may find that harder to do at this week's PGA Championship given he is fresh off the biggest win of his career that moved him into the top 10 of the world rankings. Straka, whose triumph last week at the PGA Tour Signature Event in Philadelphia put him alongside Rory McIlroy as the only multiple winners in 2025 on the U.S.-based circuit, may have no choice but to start coming out of his shell. "I'm not very outgoing. I'm not a big people person. I'm a little bit shy. So I definitely enjoy being under the radar a little more," Straka said at Quail Hollow on Wednesday. "It makes it maybe a little bit easier to prepare for tournaments because you don't have all the eyeballs on you." By the time he tees off early on Thursday, Straka will have had little time to prepare for the year's second major given he arrived in Charlotte on Monday evening. Straka, who in 2022 became the first Austrian-born player to win on the PGA Tour, acknowledged the challenges of trying to regroup after the physical and emotional fatigue that comes with a big win. "It's definitely tough. I've had a lot of off weeks after my wins recently, which definitely helps to decompress, take it all in, get your energy back. But when it's a quick turnaround like this, it's hard," said Straka. "The big thing is getting energy back. You get kind of drained. There's a lot of pressure. You're wrestling a lot of things, and then obviously after you win, there's a lot of adrenaline still going." Straka, who lived in Vienna until age 14 when his family moved to the United States, said golf had grown a lot in Austria and he was enjoying the support he was getting from his home country. "It's definitely not one of the major sports in Austria. Pretty limited with the seasons. But they're definitely golf crazy, and it's awesome to see the support that I get from Austria," said Straka. "Every week there's somebody from Austria in the crowd that's rooting me on, or I get messages from friends. It's really cool to see kind of the support from Austria." Straka will tee off on Thursday from the 10th tee at 7:27 a.m. ET (1127 GMT) alongside Max McGreevy and Sahith Theegala. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
