RG's "Fairway Focus" is a weekly look at golf's major tours. PGA Professional Brendon Elliott, a three-decade industry veteran, provides his insights. This week, Elliott previews this week's PGA TOUR stop, The AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, the LPGA’s season kick-off in Orlando, and week four of TGL.
PGA TOUR Preview: The Iconic AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am
When we chat about the most prestigious events on the PGA TOUR or iconic locations in the world of golf, the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and the Pebble Beach Golf Links are always part of those conversations. Tucked away along California's breathtaking coastline, this tournament is a feast for the senses for any fan of the game. It’s not just about the stunning views from the famous holes at Pebble and Spyglass or the mesmerizing sounds of the waves crashing against the cliffs; this event has become a beloved tradition at the start of the year. With a unique blend of professional golfers and celebrities, there's always an element of fun and excitement. This year's tournament is shaping up to be particularly thrilling, with intriguing storylines, the much-anticipated return of players like Scottie Scheffler and Jordan Spieth, and a formidable lineup that includes Rory McIlroy. This dynamic combination of talent and celebrity has made Pebble Beach a highlight on the tour calendar since 1947, almost 80 fantastic years.
Scottie Scheffler Returns
It seems as though everyone has got their eye on Scottie Scheffler this week, including myself. The excitement in the golf world has been palpable since it was announced that he’s coming back this week at Pebble. After that unfortunate freak injury late last year, this tournament marks his first chance to hit the course again in 2025. Scheffler has been enthusiastic all week, and you can feel how eager he is to get back out there. His return will definitely be one of this week's top storylines; will it be Scottie right back where he left off in 2024, or will it simply be a week of easing back into the mix? We will have to wait and see.
Jordan Spieth's Back After Wrist Surgery
Many eyes have also been on Jordan Spieth this week as he returns from wrist surgery some five months ago. It’s well-known that wrist issues can be tricky, and his surgery raised many eyebrows. But in classic Spieth fashion, he’s flipped what could have been a significant setback into a chance for a great return. As he steps back onto the course this week, fans can expect to see his incredible mix of skill, strategy, and determination that we’ve all grown to love from the Texian. There’s a real buzz in the air, and many are holding their breath, hoping for that signature Spieth magic to shine through as he finds his footing again.
With Scheffler and Spieth making their comebacks and a host of other big names like Rory in the mix, this year's tournament is shaping up to be something special. Expect some fireworks this weekend on the Monterey Peninsula.
LPGA Tour 2025 Season Kickoff as the Tour Celebrates 75 Years
The excitement is real; you can feel it in the air here in the Orlando, FL, area as the LPGA Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions kicks off today. Not only will this week ring in the 2025 season, but it will also mark a significant milestone in the history of the LPGA Tour-its 75th anniversary. It is remarkable how far the tour has evolved over the years, and this anniversary is a testament to the inspiring players who have graced the tour and the generations of fans they have inspired.
Host Venue Lake Nona Golf & Country Club
The Lake Nona Golf & Country Club is truly a stunning venue and will be a formidable challenge for last year's LPGA TOUR champions. The course features lush fairways, speedy greens, and a strategic layout that adds an exciting layer of complexity. I've had the pleasure of playing at Lake Nona twice and even hosting a few youth golf events there, so I can personally appreciate how the course combines serene beauty with demanding play. It’s definitely a worthy host to kick off the LPGA Tour season.
Defending Champ, Lydia Ko, Ready to Go
The defending champion, Lydia Ko, is back and ready to retain her title. Her command of the game is something I’ve followed closely, and it’s inspiring to see how she has reinvented herself in recent years after seemingly being lost for a stretch. She was an exciting young talent when she first made her splash on the tour, reaching number one in the Women's World Golf Rankings at 17 years, 9 months, and 9 days of age, making her the youngest player of either gender to be ranked No. 1 in professional golf. Even before turning pro, Ko famously won twice on the LPGA Tour as a young amateur, getting that first victory at only 15 years old. Sometimes, early success often results in too much too soon, and Ko may have fallen into that a few years back, but the last few years have shown her resilience and ability to rebuild her game, reaching the heights once again that she saw over a decade ago. It’s undeniable that she’s one of the most thrilling players to watch this week and the remainder of the 2025 season.
Nelly Korda, a Forever Favorite at Any Event
Nelly Korda always knows how to command attention; this week is no exception. Each time she steps onto the course, you can feel the excitement. Her game is nothing short of electrifying; every swing is executed with such precision and finesse that it’s no wonder she’s a favorite at any tournament she enters. It’s not just her incredible athleticism that stands out; her unwavering determination and competitive spirit really set her apart. I have no doubt that Nelly will leave a lasting impression this week, and I’m genuinely looking forward to watching her kick off her 2025 season.
Celebrity Event within the Event, Stars of Entertainment and Sport Tee It Up
One of the most exciting aspects of this tournament is the celebrity portion, where the worlds of entertainment, sports, and professional golf collide brilliantly. It's always a thrill to see stars from different fields come together, bringing a vibrant energy to the event. This year's lineup includes actor Don Cheadle, AJ McLean from the Backstreet Boys, former NBA stars Blake Griffin and J.R. Smith, both major golf nuts, soccer legend Brandi Chastain, actor Anthony Anderson, and comedian Larry the Cable Guy, to name just a few. Retired LPGA legend Annika Sorenstam, a member of the World Golf Hall of Fame and a resident at host Lake Nona Golf & Country Club, also tees it up in this portion of the event.
The Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions marks an exciting start to the 2025 LPGA season, which will celebrate 75 years of excellence in women’s golf.
Exciting Week 4 for TGL: A Much-Needed Boost for the Startup
In a thrilling showdown on Monday, the TGL match between Tiger Woods’ Jupiter Links and Rory McIlroy’s Boston Commons provided all the excitement the startup league and fans have been waiting for. In the first three weeks, matches have been mostly one-sided, providing little in terms of exciting competition. But on Monday, right from the moment the players teed off, it was clear that this week may have been that much-needed spark.
Having Tiger and Rory go head to head was going to bring in some eyeballs, regardless of how the match would eventually wind up on the scoreboard, but after a dip in last week's ratings, a close match was needed. That was precisely what happened, too, with a chip off having to determine the final outcome, which was claimed by TW's Jupiter Links 4-3.
It was not at all just a Tiger and Rory show either; the young star, Tom Kim, both on TOUR and in Season 2 of Netflix's "Full Swing," was one of the highlights of this week's installment of TGL. The kid was born to be a star, as he has skills with a golf club in his hands and has charisma for days. I am a bigger fan now, after Monday, than I already was of Tom Kim.
The next scheduled event is Tuesday, February 4th, when Boston Commons takes on the Los Angeles Golf Club. It all starts at 9:00 p.m. on ESPN, and you can catch the action streaming on ESPN+ and the TGL website and app.
Brendon Elliott, a distinguished PGA Professional, is best known for his dedication to the growth and development of junior golf. With nearly three decades of experience, Elliott has been recognized multiple times as one of the best instructors, both regionally and nationally.
Elliott's crowning achievement was being named the 2017 PGA of America National Youth Player Development Award Winner, a testament to his exceptional skills and dedication. He is the founder of Little Linksters, an award-winning youth golf academy and nonprofit that works with kids of all abilities to help them develop a passion for golf. His innovative teaching methods and love for the game have made significant impacts on students and the broader golfing community.
Additionally, Brendon, a Golf Writers Association of America member, has become a renowned freelance golf writer, further solidifying his position as a top professional in the industry.
