Table of Content
Golf.com writers and editors share their unfiltered opinions on the biggest topics in the sport, including Jon Rahm’s return, the launch of the Women’s Team Golf League, and Sergio Garcia’s potential comeback. The panel breaks down what they would ask returning players and discusses incredible golf course values.
Questions for Returning Players and Rahm’s Major Prospects
As the DP World Tour playoffs begin at the Abu Dhabi Aldar Championship, former LIV players Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton are making their first starts since announcing they will not participate in LIV 2.0, as sports.yahoo.com reported. When asked what single question they would ask Rahm in his pre-tournament press conference, Josh Schrock stated he would repeat his previous question about what Rahm learned from joining LIV. James Colgan noted he would ask why Rahm left, emphasizing the importance of player accounting for future generations. Josh Sens wondered about the worst part of the move aside from fan criticism, while Nick Piastowski suggested asking how Rahm would explain LIV Golf to someone who lived under a rock since 2026.
Regarding how Rahm will play moving forward without his LIV ties, Schrock noted that his performance depends on his preparation and DP World Tour schedule before the four majors in 2027, admitting that playing on LIV likely played some role in his major results. Colgan and Sens both expect Rahm to play better, with Sens highlighting mental relief and the importance of admitting that the move was strictly financial. Piastowski added that constantly facing LIV-related questions and fan reminders during majors had to weigh on Rahm, making a better performance likely now that the distraction has faded.
The Launch of WTGL and Team Selections
The Women’s Team Golf League (WTGL) kicks off its inaugural season at the SoFi Center with a match between Michelle Wie West’s Los Angeles team and Lydia Ko’s New York squad. Schrock expressed hope for the league’s success as a platform for player personalities, though he considers the absence of Nelly Korda and separate gender leagues to be a missed opportunity. Colgan questioned why a co-ed league is less profitable than separate gendered leagues, while Sens doubted the women’s league would achieve the same success as the men’s due to historical fan interest gaps. Piastowski criticized the schedule for placing half of its 10 matches directly opposite Sunday or Monday NFL games during the fall.
When discussing which WTGL team they are most looking forward to watching, Schrock highlighted the Los Angeles team for Wie West, praising her legacy as one of the past century’s great golf stars. Colgan chose Motor City to support Jeeno Thitikul, while Sens selected the Atlanta Drive for Charley Hull’s banter skills. Piastowski picked Boston Common to watch Megan Khang, who humorously admitted she will likely need the broadcast’s beep button for explicit words during matches.
Sergio Garcia’s Return and Notable Golf Values
Sergio Garcia announced his return to the DP World Tour and expressed openness to a PGA Tour comeback, prompting criticism from pro Eddie Pepperell over Garcia’s initial exit, as sports.yahoo.com reported in a piece by Kevin Cunningham. Schrock viewed the reception of returning players as a major storyline, noting that players who left without torching their former tours, like Brooks Koepka, received a warm welcome, while others like Garcia might face a frostier reception. Colgan felt the drama is overblown because professionals focus primarily on their own business, and Garcia’s career is nearing its end. Sens suggested that fan reactions will mirror how players were viewed before leaving, noting Garcia was not a fan favorite. Piastowski agreed that while fans will show curiosity, professionals will not care deeply, though Garcia could have won people over by addressing his exit more directly.
Highlighting great golf values, Alan Bastable reported on Stow Acres Country Club offering 50-cent greens fees for nine holes, as sports.yahoo.com noted. The panel shared their own favorite budget rounds from 2026, with Schrock naming The Greens at Redmond in Oregon. Colgan recounted walking 18 holes at the Lake Placid Club for $20 left on the counter after staff had gone home. Sens praised New Zealand’s Waverley Golf Club as a wild and wonderful course costing roughly $20, and Piastowski highlighted walking a round at the country club housed inside a homeless shelter.
