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124th U.S. Open

Pinehurst No. 2

Collin Morikawa halts winless string with stunning Sunday and six-shot win in Zozo

Collin Morikawa celebrates winning the tournament on the 18th green during the final round of Zozo Championship.

Yoshimasa Nakano

Collin Morikawa is a Los Angeles guy through and through. He was born in L.A., grew up in the suburb of La Canada Flintridge, honed his game at public courses all around the Southland, and bleeds Dodger blue and Laker purple. His Japanese heritage? Considering the great grandparents on his dad’s side moved to Hawaii decades ago, the golfer admits he hadn’t thought much about family lineage until the PGA Tour started playing the Zozo Championship in 2019 at Narashino Country Club, 60 miles east of Tokyo.

Even during this week at the Zozo, as Morikawa moved into contention, he downplayed what it might mean for him to win in Japan. “Look,” he said, “a win’s a win. I’ll take it anywhere, right?”

Spoken like a man who hadn’t lifted a trophy on the PGA Tour since July 2021, when the 26-year-old captured his second major in his inaugural Open Championship start at Royal St. George’s. Morikawa also won the DP World Tour Championship late in ’21, but since then had some big misses on Sundays, with four runners-up, including blowing a six-shot lead at the 2023 season-opening Sentry Tournament of Champions and falling over the summer in a playoff in the Rocket Mortgage Classic, where Rickie Fowler ended his own long dry spell.

As it turned out, Morikawa’s six-shot victory on Sunday in the Zozo—forged with a nearly flawless seven-under 63 as much of America slept—created deep satisfaction for the World No. 20 on numerous levels. He snapped his winless streak in his last official tour start of ’23, created tremendous confidence heading into the new year and cemented his standing as yet another hero in Japan golf.

MORE: LIV Golf lays out its 2024 plans amid uncertainty about PGA Tour deal

Consider the small island country’s golf bounty of late: Tiger Woods won the inaugural Zozo Championship in 2019 for his record-tying 82nd tour victory; Hideki Matsuyama captured the 2021 Masters, and later that year Xander Schauffele, with Japanese heritage, won the gold medal in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. And then Matusyama seized the 2021 Zozo in its return to his home country after the pandemic.

A player of Morikawa's stature again winning the Zozo only further sollidfies the touranment's worldwide standing.

Collin Morikawa winning the Zozo Championship with his wife, Katherin Zhu.

“This means the world,” Morikawa of his sixth PGA Tour win, not meaning to create a pun, though he has now won tournaments in England, Dubai and Japan, as well as California, Ohio and Florida.

“It feels so good. I can’t even explain it,” added Morikawa, whose 14-under total, after starting the final round two strokes back, bested the runners-up at eight under, Beau Hossler (70) and Eric Cole (70). “I knew I was going to get here at some point. It’s like getting your first win, your first major, whatever … people start asking questions, they start asking the ‘why.’ I really had to look back and ask myself what’s wrong. What is the ‘why’? What’s the reason behind finishing second or fifth versus a win.”

Some would say the troubles continued to be with Morikawa’s putting. A superior ball-striker who ranked second in Strokes Gained/Approach heading into this week, Morikawa has always been a streaky putter, and this year was no different. He entered the Zozo ranked 112th in SG/putting, losing 0.109 strokes to the field per round.

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On Wednesday this week, he went straight from his pro-am round to the practice green, where Morikawa said he spent more than two hours “grinding” on his putting. “Just trying to figure out how to read these greens,” he said on Sunday. “How to get a little more consistency, take out a few variables. Texted a couple of buddies on certain little things, and it was nice to see it click like that.”

Click it did, with Morikawa draining a field-best 24 birdies while ranking second in putts per green in regulation. That, combined with tying for third in GIR (73.61 percent), and it was one of those weeks that Morikawa seemed destined to dominate.

After opening with a 64, but then struggling to a 73 in the wind-blown second round, Morikawa did have an early stumble on Saturday. He drove next to a tree on the first hole and had to punch out in eventually suffering a double bogey. After another bogey with a three-putt at No. 4, Morikawa was nine shots off the lead.

But over the final 32 holes, he shot 14 under in a stretch that included him closing with five birdies over his last six holes in a third-round 66. On Sunday, Morikawa seized control with four birdies on a front nine of 30 and cruised in with three more birdies, including one very satisfying roll into the cup on the last.

“It just got to the point today, if I put good speed on it, the ball is going to have a great chance to go into the hole,” Morikawa said.

It doesn’t get much better than finishing the year on such a high note. Morikawa’s wife, Katherine Zhu, stood quietly at greenside with a smile on her face as he finished up. The couple are approaching their one-year wedding anniversary on Nov. 26 and plan to spend a couple of weeks on vacation.

At some point, they may happily hum the Imagine Dragons tune played as their wedding processional. It’s called “On Top of the World.”

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Collin Morikawa wins Zozo Championship in Japan for first PGA Tour title in more than two years

Collin Morikawa of the United States gestures to his wife Katherine Zhu, not pictured, after winning the PGA Tour Zozo Championship at the Narashino Country Club in Inzai on the outskirts of Tokyo, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023. (AP Photo/Tomohiro Ohsumi)

Collin Morikawa of the United States poses with the trophy after winning the PGA Tour Zozo Championship at the Narashino Country Club in Inzai on the outskirts of Tokyo, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023. (AP Photo/Tomohiro Ohsumi)

Collin Morikawa of the United States kisses the trophy after winning the PGA Tour Zozo Championship at the Narashino Country Club in Inzai on the outskirts of Tokyo, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023. (AP Photo/Tomohiro Ohsumi)

Collin Morikawa of the United States is seen on the sixteenth green in the final round of the PGA Tour Zozo Championship at the Narashino Country Club in Inzai on the outskirts of Tokyo, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023. (AP Photo/Tomohiro Ohsumi)

Justin Suh of the United States hits a shot on the fourth hole in the final round of the PGA Tour Zozo Championship at the Narashino Country Club in Inzai on the outskirts of Tokyo, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023. (AP Photo/Tomohiro Ohsumi)

Beau Hossler of the United States, center left, and Justin Suh of the United States, center right, shake hands with caddies on the eighteenth green the PGA Tour Zozo Championship at the Narashino Country Club in Inzai on the outskirts of Tokyo, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023. (AP Photo/Tomohiro Ohsumi)

Collin Morikawa of the United States, right, is seen on the second hole in the final round of the PGA Tour Zozo Championship at the Narashino Country Club in Inzai on the outskirts of Tokyo, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023. (AP Photo/Tomohiro Ohsumi)

Collin Morikawa of the United States hits his tee shot on the second hole in the final round of the PGA Tour Zozo Championship at the Narashino Country Club in Inzai on the outskirts of Tokyo, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023. (AP Photo/Tomohiro Ohsumi)

CORRECTS TO COLLIN MORIKAWA, NOT SPAUN - Collin Morikawa of the United States acknowledges audience members on the fourth green in the final round of the PGA Tour Zozo Championship at the Narashino Country Club in Inzai on the outskirts of Tokyo, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023. (AP Photo/Tomohiro Ohsumi)

J.J. Spaun of the United States reacts to audience members on the first green in the final round of the PGA Tour Zozo Championship at the Narashino Country Club in Inzai on the outskirts of Tokyo, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023. (AP Photo/Tomohiro Ohsumi)

Eric Cole of the United States hits his tee shot shot on the fifth hole in the final round of the PGA Tour Zozo Championship at the Narashino Country Club in Inzai on the outskirts of Tokyo, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023. (AP Photo/Tomohiro Ohsumi)

Ryo Ishikawa of Japan hits his tee shot on the second hole in the final round of the PGA Tour Zozo Championship at the Narashino Country Club in Inzai on the outskirts of Tokyo, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023. (AP Photo/Tomohiro Ohsumi)

Emiliano Grillo of Argentina hits his tee shot on the second hole in the final round of the PGA Tour Zozo Championship at the Narashino Country Club in Inzai on the outskirts of Tokyo, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023. (AP Photo/Tomohiro Ohsumi)

Mukumu Horikawa of Japan hits a shot from a bunker on the second hole in the final round of the PGA Tour Zozo Championship at the Narashino Country Club in Inzai on the outskirts of Tokyo, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023. (AP Photo/Tomohiro Ohsumi)

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INZAI CITY, Japan (AP) — American Collin Morikawa called winning the Zozo Championship in Japan “incredible,” a special way to close the season for a player whose great-grandparents emigrated from the country.

But more important was a victory — anywhere, any victory — after a 27-month winless streak on the PGA Tour that started prompting questions about his game.

He broke through Sunday with a 7-under par 63 for a six-shot victory at the Narashino Country Club just outside Tokyo.

“It feels so good, I can’t even explain it,” Morikawa said of his sixth PGA Tour win. “I knew I was going to get here at some point. It’s like getting your first win, your first major.”

He said he realized that people were asking questions about why he had not won for so long. He said the victory was extra special since his wife Katherine Zhu was in the gallery and gave him a kiss when he came off No. 18.

“She hasn’t been to a win since — it’s been a long time since she’s actually been at the tournament since we won. So it’s nice to have her here,” he said.

Morikawa added that he hadn’t done much to change his game, but acknowledged “the thoughts in your head start piling up.” He said part of the challenge was not to overreact to losing.

“I had to really look back and ask myself what’s wrong,” he said. “What’s the reasoning behind finishing second — that versus a win. This win means the world. Being in Japan and being half Japanese. A lot has come through over the past week.”

Americans Beau Hossler and Eric Cole were in second, six back with closing-round 70s.

Morikawa is cleary at home in Japan. He said he arrived last week with his wife and they began eating their way through the Japanese capital — everything from high-end to street food.

“We spent four days, four full days just eating,” he said. “Like, you know, visiting around, looking around Tokyo, but truly eating. We would eat at seven to eight spots. That’s a lot.”

Though his connections are distant, local fans almost claim him as their own. He doesn’t speak the language, his mother’s roots are in Hong Kong, but he does carry a Japanese family name and an interest in learning more.

“I knew at the beginning of the week that the fans out here are obviously rooting for the Japanese players,” he said. “But I like to count myself as a part Japanese player — so I felt the love.”

Morikawa started two shots behind 54-hole leader Justin Suh, who faded badly looking for his first PGA Tour win. He finished with a 74.

Morikawa had four birdies on the front nine, consistently hit fairways, which he didn’t in the second and third round, and kept pulling away with three more on the back nine, including one from 10 feet on the 18th.

“The putter got hot, which is really nice,” he said. “I haven’t had that in quite some time.”

Morikawa has been one of golf’s most-watched players — one of the game’s best iron players — so even though he’s had several chances to win recently, not getting it done has drawn some attention.

His last PGA Tour title was the 2021 British Open — he also won the 2020 PGA Championship — and followed it a few months later by becoming the first American to finish as the European Tour’s No. 1 player, taking the DP World Tour Championship.

The only disappointment in 2021 was losing out in a playoff for a bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics.

Fellow American Suh had a one-stroke lead after 54 holes but couldn’t hold on.

Morikawa knows that feeling.

In January, he had a six-stroke lead after 54 holes of the Sentry Tournament of Champions, but wound up finishing second after a string of bogeys to finish.

Through what he called his “two-year drought” he said his caddie J.J. Jakovac stuck with him, reviewing video, overseeing long putting sessions, trying to figure out tweaks.

“He’s a friend, he’s a mentor, he’s someone I rely on, he’s someone I respect,” Morikawa said. “He’s everything. I wouldn’t have — I wouldn’t be here right now without him.”

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2024 u.s. open tv schedule, coverage, live stream, where to watch round 1 of 2024 u.s. open on thursday, masters champion matsuyama wins by 5 shots in japan.

CHIBA, Japan (AP) Masters champion Hideki Matsuyama had three birdies in five holes on the back nine and eagled the 18th for good measure for a five-stroke victory at the PGA Tour's Zozo Championship on Sunday.

It was Matsuyama's first PGA Tour win in his native Japan, although he's only had one previous attempt. In 2019, Tiger Woods won the inaugural Zozo Championship, the first PGA Tour event in Japan, and last year the tournament was moved to California due to COVID-19 travel restrictions.

Matsuyama finished with a 65 and a 15-under total of 265 at Narashino Country Club. It was his seventh PGA Tour victory.

If there was any doubt, Matsuyama hit a three-wood to about 12 feet with his second shot on the par-5 18th and made the eagle putt.

Asked when he thought he had won his home tournament, Matsuyama said through an interpreter: ''Probably my second shot at 18, that was probably the clincher.''

''It was one of my biggest goals to win in front of the Japanese fans here in this country as well,'' he added. ''So happy that I'll be able to accomplish that. Also, in 2019 Tiger won the Masters and went on to win the Zozo Championship, so I'm glad that I would be able to emulate that as well.''

Americans were tied for second at 10-under: Brendan Steele shot 66 and Cameron Tringale 69.

Tringale trailed Matsuyama by two strokes going to the 18th hole but the Japanese player's eagle and the American's bogey made it a five-shot cushion.

''I needed to kind of take a couple risks and unfortunately it didn't pan out, but I played 16 really good holes and yeah, that was the day,'' Tringale said.

British Open champion Collin Morikawa had a final-round 69 and finished 10 strokes behind Matsuyama.

Tokyo Olympics champion Xander Schauffele shot 68 and was at even par on the tournament while Rickie Fowler had his second consecutive 71 and finished 3 over.

''It wasn't quite the same experience, didn't play as well, but I enjoyed being here despite the lockdown and COVID rules,'' Schauffele said. ''I saw some of my family here, which was really cool. I don't get a big opportunity to see them, so that was kind of the shining moment for me.''

The PGA Tour's only stop on the Asia swing has attracted only three of the top 20 players in the world rankings.

More AP golf: https://apnews.com/hub/golf and https://twitter.com/AP-Sports

Copyright 2024 STATS LLC and Associated Press. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of STATS LLC and Associated Press is strictly prohibited.

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The Best Japanese Golfers

Have you ever wondered how many famous golfers are from Japan? There is no lack of skill in the country, as we demonstrate on this ranked list of the best Japanese golfers. The poll below contains both famous men and women golfers from Japan , most of which are professional players. Vote up who you believe to be the top golfers from Japan , and even add any up and coming players to the list if they aren't already here.

Hideki Matsuyama

Powerful and consistent, Hideki Matsuyama is a force to be reckoned with in the world of golf. Known for his prodigious ball-striking and incredible work ethic, Matsuyama has been at the forefront of Japan’s modern golfing renaissance, inspiring a new generation of golfers with his tireless pursuit of excellence and a string of impressive performances in major championships.

Shigeki Maruyama

With his infectious smile and charismatic personality, Shigeki Maruyama has long been a fan favorite, both in Japan and around the globe. Maruyama's career is marked by a series of thrilling victories thanks to his exceptional shot-making abilities and tenacious competitive spirit. His impressive track record, along with his engaging and approachable demeanor, has made him an ambassador for Japanese golf.

A legend in the world of golf, Isao Aoki is best remembered for his near-miraculous putting skills and electric performance at the 1980 U.S. Open. An incredible competitor with a never-say-die attitude, Aoki captivated audiences around the world with his fearless style of play and drive to succeed. His iconic status in the golfing community is a testament to his immense talent and determination to break down barriers for Japanese players on the global stage.

Masashi Ozaki

Widely considered one of the greatest Japanese golfers of all time, Masashi Ozaki has earned his place among golf's elite through his unparalleled dominance on the Japan Golf Tour. Possessing a smooth and powerful swing, Ozaki was a master of consistency and precision, an unstoppable force who helped put Japanese golf on the international stage. His long-lasting impact on the sport in Japan cannot be overstated, as he became a role model for countless aspiring golfers and paved the way for future generations.

Tsuneyuki Nakajima

Tsuneyuki Nakajima, a true master of the game, has left an indelible mark on the history of Japanese golf through his incredible achievements and tireless dedication to excellence. Possessing a deadly combination of accuracy and power, Nakajima consistently defied the odds with his awe-inspiring performances at major tournaments around the world. As a trailblazer for future generations of Japanese golfers, his enduring impact on the sport is undeniable.

Yoshitaka Yamamoto

With a silky smooth swing and nerves of steel, Yoshitaka Yamamoto has carved out a distinguished career as one of Japan's most accomplished golfers. Revered for his ability to consistently deliver in high-pressure situations, Yamamoto's skill and composure under fire have made him a force to be reckoned with on the golf course. As he continues to build upon his already impressive resume, the future looks bright for this talented golfer.

Masahiro Kuramoto

Known for his elegant swing and exceptional course management, Masahiro Kuramoto is a shining example of the skill and dedication required to excel in professional golf. A consistent force during his illustrious career, Kuramoto achieved numerous victories while demonstrating an unwavering commitment to perfecting his craft. His success on the course serves as an inspiration to aspiring Japanese golfers looking to make their mark on the sport.

Tateo Ozaki

Steadfast and unflappable, Tateo Ozaki is a testament to the power of focus and dedication in the world of professional golf. With an uncanny ability to rise to the occasion when the stakes are highest, Ozaki's career is marked by a series of unforgettable moments that will long be remembered by fans of the sport. Aspiring golfers everywhere can learn valuable lessons from Ozaki's unwavering commitment to improvement and success.

Hideto Tanihara

A formidable competitor with an unyielding drive to succeed, Hideto Tanihara has forged an impressive career on the strength of his steely determination and remarkable skillset. Tanihara's ability to battle adversity and rise to the occasion has earned him a well-deserved reputation as a fierce competitor and a force to be reckoned with on the course. As he continues to etch his name into the annals of Japanese golf history, Tanihara serves as a shining example of what can be achieved through hard work and perseverance.

Toru Taniguchi

A consummate professional with a wealth of experience, Toru Taniguchi has long been a fixture in the world of Japanese golf. Known for his unwavering focus and exceptional course management, Taniguchi has consistently demonstrated his ability to perform at the highest levels of competition. His enduring presence in the sport serves as a testament to his dedication, passion, and talent.

Ryo Ishikawa

An exciting young talent, Ryo Ishikawa burst onto the global golf scene with his powerful drives and fearless approach to the game. With his engaging personality and prodigious skills, Ishikawa has quickly established himself as one of Japan's brightest stars, capturing the hearts and minds of fans around the world. As he continues to build upon his early successes, there's no doubt that Ishikawa's star will burn brightly for years to come.

Norio Suzuki

Norio Suzuki's remarkable career is characterized by his incredible finesse and exceptional mental strength. Known for his adaptability and ability to thrive under pressure, Suzuki has been a model of consistency and excellence throughout his time on the professional circuit. His dedication and skill continue to inspire countless Japanese golfers as they look to follow in his footsteps.

Naomichi Ozaki

No list of great Japanese golfers would be complete without Naomichi Ozaki, a player who has earned his place among the elite with his creative shot-making and unwavering focus. A gritty competitor with a flair for the dramatic, Ozaki's spectacular performances have captured the imagination of golf fans across the globe. His impact on the sport in Japan will be felt for generations to come.

Hidemichi Tanaka

With his distinctive style and enormous talent, Hidemichi Tanaka has been a fixture in the upper echelons of Japanese golf for decades. A consummate professional, Tanaka's smooth swing and ironclad mental fortitude allow him to consistently perform at the highest levels of competition. A role model for up-and-coming golfers, Tanaka's career stands as a shining example of what can be achieved through perseverance and hard work.

Hiroyuki Fujita

An inspiring figure for aspirational golfers everywhere, Hiroyuki Fujita has demonstrated time and time again the value of determination and hard work in the pursuit of greatness. Known for his exceptional course management and unerring accuracy, Fujita's career has been a study in consistency and the unwavering pursuit of victory. A true Japanese golf icon, Fujita's influence on the sport is sure to be felt for generations to come.

Known for his incredible work ethic and natural talent, Yuta Ikeda has quickly risen through the ranks of Japan's most promising young golfers. A powerful ball striker with a keen understanding of course strategy, Ikeda is well on his way to cementing his status as one of Japan's all-time greats. As he continues to put in the hard work required to reach the pinnacle of the sport, there's no doubt that Ikeda's future is bright.

Teruo Sugihara

Teruo Sugihara, a true trailblazer in the world of Japanese golf, laid the groundwork for future generations of players to follow with his incredible skill and pioneering spirit. Known for his innovative approach to the game and his tireless work ethic, Sugihara's impact on the sport cannot be overstated. His accomplishments on and off the course will long be remembered by golf enthusiasts the world over.

Shingo Katayama

A flamboyant and magnetic presence on the course, Shingo Katayama boasts an impressive array of skills and an unyielding dedication to honing his craft. Known for his colorful wardrobe and peerless shot-making abilities, Katayama has earned legions of fans with his fearless style of play and unwavering determination to succeed. The sky is truly the limit for this talented golfer as he continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in the world of golf.

Seiichi Kanai

Seiichi Kanai, with his extraordinary short game and gritty determination, has established himself as one of Japan's finest golfers. A tenacious competitor who never shies away from a challenge, Kanai has shown time and time again that he can excel against the best players in the world. A steadfast presence in the world of Japanese golf, Kanai's accomplishments serve as a testament to his dedication and passion for the game.

Tōru Nakamura

A fearless competitor with a wealth of natural talent, Tōru Nakamura has made a habit of defying the odds and proving his critics wrong throughout his storied career. Known for his powerful drives and unwavering focus, Nakamura has earned a well-deserved reputation as one of Japan's most formidable golfers. As he continues to build upon his already impressive legacy, there's no telling what heights Nakamura might yet reach.

Toshimitsu Izawa

Blessed with a natural talent and an unyielding drive to succeed, Toshimitsu Izawa has forged an impressive career as one of Japan's top golfers. With an enviable combination of power and accuracy, Izawa has proven himself to be a formidable competitor, capable of standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the best in the world. As he continues to inspire countless golfers with his skill, tenacity, and determination, Izawa's place among Japan's golfing elite is assured.

Takashi Murakami

A master strategist with a versatile skill set, Takashi Murakami has proven himself to be a formidable competitor in the world of golf. With his keen eye for detail and unwavering determination, Murakami has earned his place among Japan's golfing elite through impressive performances both domestically and internationally. As he continues to add to his already impressive career, Murakami is a shining example for aspiring golfers who seek to emulate his success.

Saburo Fujiki

A consummate professional with a near-mystical ability to remain calm and focused under pressure, Saburo Fujiki has left an indelible mark on the sport of golf during his illustrious career. Known for his exceptional shot-making and adaptive prowess, Fujiki's steady presence on the course has become synonymous with excellence in the world of Japanese golf. As future generations look back on the pantheon of golfing greats, Fujiki's name will undoubtedly be among those that stand the test of time.

Hajime Meshiai

Combining power, precision, and an ironclad mental game, Hajime Meshiai has left his mark on the world of Japanese golf. Known for his indomitable spirit and never-say-die attitude, Meshiai has earned a reputation as a fierce competitor capable of toppling even the most formidable opponents. With his relentless drive to succeed, Meshiai continues to inspire a generation of Japanese golfers eager to follow in his footsteps.

Katsumasa Miyamoto

With an innate understanding of the game and a flair for the dramatic, Katsumasa Miyamoto has made a lasting impact on the landscape of Japanese golf. Possessing a smooth and powerful swing, Miyamoto has consistently demonstrated his ability to excel in high-pressure situations, earning him a well-deserved place among Japan's golfing legends. As his storied career continues to unfold, Miyamoto's influence on the sport will undoubtedly be felt for years to come.

Katsunari Takahashi

A true student of the game, Katsunari Takahashi has earned his place among Japan's greatest golfers through his tireless dedication to honing his craft. Combining power and precision with a keen understanding of strategy, Takahashi has captured the imagination of golf fans across the globe with his thrilling performances on the course. As he continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in the world of golf, Takahashi serves as a living embodiment of the rewards that come from hard work, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

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One year later, why haven’t PGA Tour and the Saudis completed a deal?

Despite a year of talks between the PGA Tour and the Saudis, the future of professional golf is hardly any clearer.

With virtually no warning of the pending earthquake, the golf world tuned in for the shocking sight of two combatants seated amicably side-by-side in a New York cable news studio.

“I think today is a historical day for the PGA Tour and the game of golf,” PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan declared at the outset of a CNBC interview June 6, 2023. “… What we’re talking about today is coming together to unify the game of golf.”

Vague details unspooled about the pending partnership between the tour and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, which had launched the rival LIV Golf operation, before the CNBC host asked PIF governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan , “How much more time to get to the definitive agreement?”

“I think it’s a matter of weeks,” he said.

One year later, professional golf is still bitterly divided. Television ratings many weeks are down. There has been no merger and no partnership. The PGA Tour and LIV Golf continue to operate independently. The best players on the planet get together just four times per year . And there has been no infusion of Saudi oil money to help reshape or bolster the PGA Tour.

That announcement was supposed to be a monumental day for the sport . Instead of providing closure to a tumultuous chapter, it bred more chaos and questions.

The deal is not dead, according to people close to the situation, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to be candid about the negotiations, and Monahan and Al-Rumayyan have been in regular contact in recent weeks. The two were scheduled to meet Friday in New York to continue talks, according to one person familiar with the plans. The New York Times first reported the pending meeting and said it will include Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy.

But while the sides continue to talk, no one seems certain whether they will be able to iron out the wrinkles — or whether a deal would ultimately return professional golf to solid footing.

“Obviously, a year later you would have thought we had a bit more clarity on that,” Canadian golfer Mackenzie Hughes said last week. “There’s not really much there. I think eventually when we get through this situation, I think golf will be in a great spot still. But there’s a lot of hurdles to get over right now.”

While neither PGA Tour nor PIF officials would publicly comment on where things stand one year later, several people familiar with the talks say meaningful progress is still being made. But it is clear the controversial pact was more complicated than anyone anticipated, with many of the same questions and hurdles that Monahan and Al-Rumayyan sidestepped last year still looming.

What is taking so long?

Following the initial announcement, talks were instantly delayed by a congressional inquiry and the specter of a Justice Department investigation. Plus, the PGA Tour had to do cleanup with its members, who were incensed at being kept in the dark, and Monahan took medical leave for five weeks to deal with anxiety related to the situation.

Talks were slow to heat up, and when LIV poached star Jon Rahm in December, relations between the sides appeared frayed. Even with a Dec. 31 deadline, there was little meaningful progress. They agreed to keep negotiating past that deadline as PGA Tour players took on more control, installing Woods on the tour’s influential policy board.

But Woods and the other player directors didn’t meet face-to-face with Al-Rumayyan until March, when the sides convened in the Bahamas. Woods and Al-Rumayyan played a round of golf together, and Woods later called it “a very positive meeting.”

Following a minority investment of at least $1.5 billion from a consortium of pro sports owners , the tour formally created a new entity to oversee its commercial interests — PGA Tour Enterprises — and that company’s board formed a subcommittee to negotiate with the PIF.

The new entity effectively sidelined some of the early negotiators, including policy board member Jimmy Dunne, who first reached out to Al-Rumayyan in 2023 and helped broker the initial framework agreement. After he was left off the new company’s board and the negotiating subcommittee, Dunne stepped down from the tour’s policy board last month, saying in his resignation letter that “no meaningful progress has been made toward a transaction with the PIF.”

But others say work is being done behind the scenes, even if the steps are slow and deliberate. In the past couple of months, the sides have shared pitch decks and exchanged term sheets of what a final deal might look like, according to two people familiar with the talks.

“Things are actually moving positively from both sides,” Jordan Spieth, a member of the PGA Tour Enterprises board, said recently. “… From what I do know, it’s cordial, there’s open dialogue, and it’s moving along at the pace that it’s moving along. And anything else that’s said about it is just, I just know to be false. So I’m very optimistic.”

What are the hurdles?

The sides are largely discussing the same issues they promised to solve a year ago. The tour’s membership has not always been unified on the best course of action or even what an acceptable resolution would be.

“I think there’s a lot of things people don’t realize that need to occur for things to go back together, for everyone to sort of shake hands and move along,” PGA Tour golfer Xander Schauffele said this week.

The PGA Tour wants to settle on a financially viable path while expanding its reach. But it doesn’t yet know how it would welcome LIV golfers back into PGA Tour events. The PIF, meanwhile, always sought a seat at the table, but it’s not keen to simply write a blank check; Saudi officials expect a return on any investment.

The tour doesn’t plan to use new money on tournament purses or to bolster existing operations; it is trying to identify sources of revenue and expansion, which could include purchasing new properties, leveraging media rights or delving into untapped markets.

The Saudis haven’t always shown the same sense of urgency at the negotiating table. They aren’t eager to give up on LIV altogether, and the tour doesn’t want to compete head-to-head with a deep-pocketed rival. But both sides are interested in growing the game globally and finding ways the PGA Tour can coexist with a complementary circuit, probably one that is team-based, is internationally focused and has a competition calendar that doesn’t conflict with tour events.

Even if they can sort through that, the Justice Department could still have final say on whether any deal passes muster and doesn’t violate federal antitrust laws.

Who is at the negotiating table?

The June 6 announcement resulted in no shortage of mistrust and division among the PGA Tour ranks. Monahan survived the tumult, but the balance of power shifted.

McIlroy, the face of the tour’s battle before June 6, resigned from the tour’s policy board in November. An effort to return him to the board was scuttled last month, with McIlroy saying, “There was a subset of people on the board that were maybe uncomfortable with me coming back.”

He was ultimately included on the negotiating subcommittee but clearly has some different ideas than Woods and Patrick Cantlay, another influential member of the PGA Tour Enterprises board.

“It’s good to see it differently,” Woods said during the PGA Championship last month, “but collectively as a whole we want to see whatever’s best for all the players, the fans and the state of golf. How we get there, that’s to be determined.”

The other members of the negotiating subcommittee are Monahan; golfer Adam Scott; Joe Gorder, chair of the new board; Joe Ogilvie, a retired golfer; and John Henry, principal owner of Fenway Sports Group.

What is the status of LIV Golf?

LIV Golf never altered its plans and continued entering into multiyear contracts with players, courses, sponsors and vendors that should ensure its existence through at least 2025. The organization now has more than 200 employees and is soon moving into new office spaces in New York and London.

The product has been slow to catch on domestically, but LIV officials are buoyed by recent corporate partners and some of the response they have received overseas.

If there is not progress on the PIF-PGA Tour negotiations in the next four months, the stage could be set for an offseason in which LIV moves even more aggressively to sign some of the tour’s biggest names.

In short, LIV is not operating like a business preparing to close up shop anytime soon.

What about the concerns over human rights violations?

For all the rhetoric from tour officials over Saudi Arabia’s human rights record when LIV began play June 2022, those concerns have largely faded into the background — at least for many of the game’s stakeholders. Ogilvie, the former pro golfer who serves as “liaison director” on the PGA Tour Enterprises board and is also on the negotiating subcommittee, recently told Eamon Lynch , the Golf Channel host and Golfweek columnist:

“Look, it’s a very messy world. You hope things evolve, that society has by any measure gotten better. It’s better now than it was 10 years ago. It was better 10 years ago than it was 20 years ago. And I’m assuming it will be better 10 years from now. You can’t paralyze yourself. You can’t expect perfection. You just want things to evolve in a better way. And I think that’s obviously what the kingdom wants to do.”

Why does the PGA Tour still want the Saudi investment?

While the PGA Tour has taken on the $1.5 billion investment from Strategic Sports Group , there are still questions about the viability of its business model, especially as it shifts its core operations from a nonprofit organization to a commercial entity and launches a player equity program. The tour has asked its local tournament directors to start kicking in more money and has fielded questions from key sponsors about the future of the game.

Tour officials have said that even if LIV Golf lags far behind in spectator interest, it will continue to pose an existential threat because it can pick off tour players and leave the PGA Tour with a watered-down product.

Notably, a PIF investment would be worth significantly more than whatever the Saudis put in. The SSG investors are expected to raise their commitment as high as $3 billion if the PIF ultimately signs on.

What happens if the deal falls through?

The professional golf war would enter a new phase, and no one around the game — particularly those at PGA Tour headquarters — is eager to see how that would play out. The PIF could keep putting money behind LIV, and even if fan interest in LIV remains tepid, it could be devastating to the tour’s product and its bottom line.

One bright side of the initial framework agreement: It called for an immediate end to the litigation that had consumed both sides. Tour officials have said their legal costs had reached the neighborhood of $50 million, and they were happy to see the cases dismissed last June .

What is the possible timeline for a final deal?

The PGA Tour can’t wait forever and is eager to start making strategic steps with the money it has on hand. That said, the potential PIF investment could be transformational, adding billions to the tour’s coffers, so officials remain hopeful. They surely don’t want to enter into an offseason bidding war with LIV, so this summer looks to be a pivotal period for negotiations.

If the sides do agree to terms, it probably would trigger a federal review, which could take several weeks or months. If the Justice Department feels competition is stifled or the consumer is somehow harmed, the whole deal could be rejected and the golf world would revert to its pre-June 6 state.

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Statement on Nasa Hataoka’s Disqualification at the ShopRite LPGA Classic

Grandmother knows best: the golf journey of samantha morrell.

• shoprite-lpga-classic

During the first round of the LPGA Shoprite Classic, Nasa Hataoka played her second shot on No. 9 into the long fescue surrounding the green, her last hole of the day. After reviewing video footage provided to the LPGA following the round, it was determined that the search for Nasa’s ball lasted longer than the three minutes allowed under Rule 18.2a.  After three minutes of search, the ball is considered lost, and the player must proceed under stroke and distance (Rule 18.2b).

Hataoka’s ball was eventually found after the search time expired. The Rules require the player whose ball is lost to proceed under stroke and distance (Rule 18.2b). When Hataoka did not play from where she had previously played from, she played from the wrong place (Rule 14.7). Because where she played from could give the player a significant advantage compared to the stroke to be made from the right place, this is considered a serious breach of Rule 14.7 with a penalty of disqualification if not corrected in time. The player had until she left the scoring area to correct this mistake per Rule 14.7.

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U.S. Open storylines: Can Xander Schauffele (or anyone else) top Scottie Scheffler?

World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler says he is unconcerned that there is a "target" on his back as he prepares for the U.S. Open at Pinehurst. (0:50)

• Senior college football writer
• Author of seven books on college football
• Graduate of the University of Georgia
• Paolo Uggetti

PINEHURST, N.C. -- Talk about a stark contrast.

After the PGA Championship presented the best golfers in the world with an execution test at Valhalla Country Club that featured a winning score of 21-under (the lowest ever in major championship history), the U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2 provides something entirely different.

The sand hills of North Carolina will test every aspect of each player's game during what is expected to be a hot and humid week. And though there's a clear favorite, there are also 155 other players in the field wanting to turn the third major of the year into their shining moment.

Here are five storylines we're watching at Pinehurst this week.

Scottie Scheffler's dominance

No one's presence looms larger over this golf tournament than Scottie Scheffler 's. He has been mentioned in every news conference, is the talk of both his peers and fans and is far and away the favorite to win this week, not to mention the best player in the world by a healthy margin.

After winning the Memorial Tournament and adding to his five-win total for 2024, it continues to feel like barring any setback -- be it injury or something out of the ordinary -- Scheffler will contend every time he tees it up. As Viktor Hovland explained, it's not just that Scheffler is winning, it's that even when he doesn't play as well as he can, he can still win.

"We all hit great shots out here, and there are a lot of guys that are impressive, but you know the old saying: It's not about how good your good shots are, it's how good your bad shots are," Hovland said. "He's certainly playing a game where his bad shots are still good."

This year, Scheffler played in 13 events and finished inside the top 10 in 12 of them. He leads the tour in strokes gained: total averaging nearly 3 strokes gained over the field average. Even his putting has now improved to about tour average, which is enough for him to win pretty much everything on any given week.

"He is the gold standard right now," Bryson DeChambeau said. "And we're all looking up to him going, 'All right, how do we get to that level?'"

"Scottie is doing incredible things," PGA champion Xander Schauffele said. "Every week we play, he seems to build a bigger lead, and somehow make the mountain even taller for all of us to climb."

For all the genuflecting players are doing around Scheffler, it's evident they want to beat him and his play is only motivating them even more. The task at hand is not easy. Beyond the quality of Scheffler's game being what it is, it's hard to think of a course that fits Scheffler better than Pinehurst No. 2 with its demand on ballstriking and short game -- both of which are arguably Scheffler's biggest strengths.

"What I appreciate about this kind of course is a lot of the areas around the greens are all fairway, and so it may be extremely difficult shots, but there's always opportunity," Scheffler said. "I believe it's a better test than just having heavy rough over the back of every green."

If it's a true test that this course will provide, there's no one with a better chance of acing it than the No.1 player in the world. -- Uggetti

Who can beat Scheffler?

If Scheffler doesn't win his third major this week, then Schauffele might be poised to win his second straight. Outside of Scheffler, no one is playing better golf than Schauffele.

The 30-year-old from San Diego finished in the top 25 in each of his past 10 starts on tour, including seven in the top eight. He tied for second at the Players Championship, was solo second at the Wells Fargo Championship, a signature event, and then captured his first major at last month's PGA Championship.

After waiting so long to win a major -- 28 starts to be exact -- Schauffele said he's not done.

"Just checked one box," Schauffele said. "Just a lot of unchecked boxes. I just checked one box, which is really cool. Obviously, a box very much at the top of my list. But still a lot more to do, obviously."

Schauffele has been especially good in the U.S. Open. He finished in the top 10 in six of his seven starts in the tournament, including a tie for third at Pebble Beach Golf Links in California in 2019.

What's Schauffele's secret to success?

"Just what I bring week to week, just a little bit of extra patience," he said. "You have to ramp that up a little bit more during these weeks. All U.S. Opens, they're unique in their own way. But they all feel like par is a great score, and you really have to just plot your way around a property.

"I was here a week ago just for a little tuneup, and the way the course is playing now is significantly different already. I can only imagine what it's going to look like in two days." -- Schlabach

Pinehurst is ready to bite

Even before Wyndham Clark called the greens at Pinehurst No. 2 "borderline," players were already experiencing the tough challenge the course will provide this week. The firmness of the fairways and speed of the greens is already dialed up, setting up a week that could feature a lot of creative -- and frustrating -- short game shots around the course's diabolical greens.

"The last few days playing practice rounds -- I'm guilty as well as the rest of the guys I've played with -- we've putted off a lot of greens," Tiger Woods said. "It depends how severe the USGA wants to make this and how close they want to get us up to those sides. But I foresee just like in '05 watching some of the guys play pingpong back and forth. It could happen."

Woods, for his part, said he's been using everything from his 60-degree wedge to his 4-iron to hit different shots around the green. DeChambeau said he will likely stick to his wedges and putter, while players such as Collin Morikawa have even tried hybrids and fairway woods.

The event and the course present a different challenge than what PGA Tour players (and LIV players, for that matter) face on a week-to-week basis. Long irons, especially on par 3s, will be plenty, and hitting the green will be an even bigger advantage this week than any other. Once you're on, however, you're not safe either.

"I don't really know where they're going to end up putting the pins. But if they were, in my opinion, borderline yesterday when the greens were soft," Hovland said, before praising the raised, upside-down bowl nature of the greens. "What if it starts blowing up a little bit and the greens just keep getting firmer and faster? It'll be just interesting to see."

Whether it's praise or preemptive criticism, Pinehurst will not only be tough to conquer this week, but it should also provide great theater as players chart their way around a golf course that will make them think plenty over every shot.

"I think a course like this definitely demands a different skill set and also some creativity," Rory McIlroy said. "I think for the viewer at home, that's more exciting than seeing guys hack out of 4-inch rough all the time. Hopefully, that comes to fruition and it is an exciting golf tournament." -- Uggetti

What will the LIV Golf League players do?

In the last U.S. Open played at Pinehurst No. 2 in 2014, Martin Kaymer ran away from the field and won by a whopping 8 strokes to become the first man from Germany to win the tournament.

After winning, Kaymer, now captain of Cleeks GC in the LIV Golf League, hadn't been back to Pinehurst until this week.

"Yeah, last time I was here was when I won," Kaymer said. "I live in Germany, and it's not really a place that you just swing by quickly for a couple days. Obviously, coming here with all those good memories, when I played today it felt like I left yesterday. The golf course looks a little bit different than 10 years ago, but the feeling was very positive."

Kaymer, 39, is even staying in the same room in a hotel near the course that he did a decade ago.

"I don't know if it helps," Kaymer said. "It cannot hurt, I guess. I'm a little bit superstitious when it comes down to that. I think, regardless, it's going to be a really nice week."

Kaymer is one of 12 players from the LIV Golf League in the U.S. Open field; Jon Rahm withdrew on Tuesday because of an injury to his left foot. After a stellar performance in the majors in 2023 ( Phil Mickelson and Brooks Koepka tied for second at the Masters, then Koepka won his third PGA Championship), it has been a so-so start this year.

There were three LIV Golf players in the top 10 at the Masters (DeChambeau and Cameron Smith tied for sixth and Tyrrell Hatton tied for ninth) and just one at the PGA Championship (DeChambeau was second).

"I think Houston was actually a pretty solid test for us," DeChambeau said. "The Bermuda fairways and greens are somewhat similar to this week, so there was definitely some thought put into that. We make sure over there to try and set the schedule appropriate relative to the majors, as well." -- Schlabach

Who's going to the Olympics?

There's more than the U.S. Open trophy and a $20 million purse on the line at Pinehurst No. 2 this week. There are also spots in the Olympics men's golf tournament up for grabs. The cutoff to qualify for the tournament, scheduled for Aug. 1-4 at Le Golf National outside Paris, is on Monday.

The top 15 players -- but no more than four from each country -- in the Official World Golf Ranking will automatically qualify. After that, the rest of the 60-man field will be filled with no more than two players from a single country based on OWGR.

As it stands, Scheffler (No. 1), Schauffele (No. 2), Clark (No. 4) and Morikawa (No. 7) would represent the U.S.

Schauffele won a gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics in August 2021.

There are five other Americans in the top 15 of the OWGR -- No. 9 Patrick Cantlay , No. 10 Max Homa , No. 11 Sahith Theegala , No. 12 Brian Harman and No. 15 Keegan Bradley -- but they wouldn't be eligible to compete in the Olympics under the selection rules.

Morikawa jumped Cantlay in the OWGR with a runner-up finish at the Memorial last week, so there certainly could be additional movement on the U.S. squad after the U.S. Open.

Other golfers who seem assured of being eligible for the Olympics include Tommy Fleetwood and Matt Fitzpatrick (Great Britain), Hovland (Norway), McIlroy and Shane Lowry (Ireland), Hideki Matsuyama (Japan), Tom Kim and Ben An (South Korea) and Jon Rahm (Spain).

One of the tightest races is for the two spots on the Canadian team. Last week, Adam Hadwin finished third at the Memorial and moved from No. 59 to No. 35 in the OWGR. He jumped good friend Corey Conners (No. 46) to potentially join Nick Taylor (No. 32) on the team. -- Schlabach

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Nick Dunlap hits the flagstick to set up birdie at the Memorial

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WiretoWire: Scheffler victorious again at the Memorial

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Japan’s Matsuyama finds another top 10 at the Memorial for timely boost ahead of U.S. Open

Scheffler’s victory at the Memorial shows how far he’s come

Scheffler picks up fifth victory of season at the Memorial

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PGA Tour says more progress made in talks with Saudi PIF

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Reporting by Frank Pingue in Toronto; editing by Clare Fallon

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After offensive breakout, Twins open series with A's

The Minnesota Twins will look to ride the momentum of a sterling offensive performance when they open a four-game series against the Oakland Athletics on Thursday in Minneapolis.