As the restructuring of the PGA Tour continues behind closed doors, Brandon Johnson apportions game-changing credit to the tour’s commissioner. “Monahan was dealt an impossible situation with LIV Golf,” he says. Some close to tour golf might think Monahan is more reactionary than he is visionary. Certainly, like it or not, he is in the thick of what may become the most significant reorganization of the PGA Tour since its inception.
In 2023, Biagiotti become the first female golf course owner to host the Ryder Cup. Owner of Marco Simone Golf Club in Rome, as well as the Laura Biagiotti fashion house, she was instrumental in the development of Marco Simone into a venue worthy of the international tournament, and she was also key to Italy winning its bid to host the Ryder Cup for the first time. Americans might not like the result in Rome, but there was no doubt about the caliber of the host venue.
Has there ever been a more striking example of one player becoming the moral compass of tour golf? “I admire the way [he] fought for the PGA Tour this past year,” starts Annika Sorenstam. “The new TGL Golf venture will literally change the way we view golf.” Says Brandon Johnson: “Rory shouldered the load to stand up for the PGA Tour.” Adds Jane Broderick: “And he played well at the same time!”
Block is the PGA club pro who captured the attention of the sports world with his inspirational performance in the 2023 PGA Championship, when, at the age of 47, he finished tied for second. Says Roger Steele: “Block has shown the world what is possible with a positive outlook, belief and consistency. If even for a moment, greatness is attainable. He helps us golfers dream.”
Roger Steele pays tribute: “Steph Curry’s commitment to being an advocate for—and growing the game of golf in—underserved communities is inspirational. He founded the Underrated Tour and funded the Howard golf team, and in doing so created one of the best HBCU golf teams in the country. I believe that this program’s on-course accolades will be completely eclipsed by the players’ real-world contributions to the game and beyond once their time at Howard is over. It shows us that when people with status invest in the game, a real impact can be made.”
Swaim Trimble is a former Curtis Cup and professional golfer who founded Fore Hire, which is dedicated to creating career opportunities for college golfers. Employers and graduates are brought together at events such as “Women Who Want to Work in Golf.” Says Alexandra O’Laughlin: “This is going to be a huge asset to graduates, but also to businesses, in finding employees with golf knowledge.”
Yasir al-Rumayyan is head of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, the group behind the breakaway LIV Golf, which divided the tour golf community so dramatically. He is now set to be chairman of the new-look PGA Tour, once a new structure is finalized. “For good or bad, the biggest impact by an individual has to be Yasir al-Rumayyan,” says David McLay Kidd. “I have met him a few times. He is as smart as a whip, very personable, and there is no doubt he loves the game.”
Zhang was a record-breaking amateur before winning in her debut on the LPGA Tour. “With how talented the competitive landscape is getting, it’s rare to see such a transcendent ability perform and win at a high level,” starts Roger Steele. “Zhang’s transition into professional golf is one of the greatest some of us will see in our lifetime, but what’s better than her playing ability is her character. From her humility to her priorities, she is a great and fitting example of what winners can and should look like.”
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