THE MAJORS (MEN)
Whatever happens with LIV Golf developments, the Majors remain the pinnacle of the men’s game and they, as per usual, kick off in April with The Masters. The most intriguing thing about the year’s first Major is who is actually going to play. At time of writing, it’s yet to be announced whether The Masters will take a firm line with the players who have gone over to LIV Golf. Six of the last 12 Masters Champions are now with LIV – surely those Green Jacket winners won’t be disinvited…
Another intriguing feature this year is that it appears Augusta has completed renovations to the 13th hole, moving the tee some 40 yards back into the trees. This will likely prevent players taking it over the corner of the dogleg, significantly ramping up the difficulty.
The 105th US PGA Championship will be held at
Oak Hill Country Club from May 18-21. Justin Thomas defends the title after seeing off Will Zalatoris in a three-hole play-off at Southern Hills. Oak Hill is one of the great venues in American golf. It’s a tough course that will suit the grinders.
England’s Matthew Fitzpatrick will defend the US Open at Los Angeles Country Club, starting on June 15. It’s an historic venue but a new one for Major golf. Then, finally, the 151st Open Championship will be contested at Royal Liverpool, where Rory Mcilroy most recently lifted the Claret Jug in 2014. What price a repeat performance? Hoylake will welcome the world’s best from July 20-23. It will be the 13th time The Open has been contested on the links and previous winners there include legends like Bobby Jones and Tiger Woods. When the latter won in 2006, the fairways were baked and running fast – Tiger only used his driver once.