MEMORIAL CONTROVERSY & TOUR CHANGES - MAY 29th, 2025

This golf report covers Rory McIlroy's debated Memorial skip, brutal Muirfield course conditions, Jon Rahm's candid Liv interview, a major TOUR Championship format overhaul, and a U.S. Women's Open preview.

THE MEMORIAL TOURNAMENT: RORY'S ABSENCE & MUIRFIELD'S ROAR

• Rory McIlroy skipping Jack Nicklaus's tournament stirred discussion, with Jack "surprised" (Rory didn't call, which Dan Rapaport felt "is not it") but understanding. Players faced Muirfield's "thickest rough," as Scottie Scheffler sought victory.
• Jack Nicklaus: "It surprised me a little bit... I don't hold anything against Rory for that."
• Bud Cauley made an inspiring return, while Scottie Scheffler's game drew praise from the Golden Bear: "He plays a lot like I did."

LIV GOLF & THE TOUR DIVIDE: RAHM SPEAKS, HOVLAND CRITIQUES

• Jon Rahm's Liv "speed round" revealed his hero (Seve), top win (2023 Masters), and pet peeves. Viktor Hovland understood Rahm's financial reasons for leaving but candidly stated, "I don't think their product is that great."
• Jon Rahm's karaoke pick: "Beautiful Crazy by Luke Combs."
• Niklas Norgaard affirmed his PGA Tour loyalty ("I would never choose to go to Liv"), highlighting ongoing player divisions and Scheffler's hopes for reunification.

TOUR CHAMPIONSHIP REFORMATTED: BACK TO BASICS

• The PGA Tour's TOUR Championship is ditching staggered "starting strokes" for a traditional format, earning praise from Scheffler, Homa, and Schauffele for its simplicity and fan appeal, making it "easier to follow."
• Scottie Scheffler: "I really like the direction where we're going."
• Players are "glad we're back to golf as we kind of know it" (Max Homa), anticipating a more straightforward fight for the FedExCup.

U.S. WOMEN'S OPEN AT ERIN HILLS: THE ULTIMATE TEST

• The U.S. Women's Open heads to Erin Hills, a course Nelly Korda calls "the biggest test." The USGA's Shannon Rouillard hopes "Mother Nature will show up" to challenge the world's best.
• Defending champion Yuka Saso acknowledged the demanding nature of the major championship venue.
• Players anticipate a stern examination on a course renowned for its difficulty and championship pedigree.

Quick Hits

Xander clarifies driver 'creep' • Phil Mickelson criticizes Monahan's Rory defense • Senior PGA Championship moves to The Concession.

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