The professional golf world has shifted a gear this week, delivering record breaking performances and significant shifts in the game’s landscape. From a historic win at Torrey Pines to a weather shortened triumph in Florida, a major breakthrough in Bahrain, and new club releases from Wilson, there is plenty to discuss as the 2026 season truly finds its rhythm.
On the Course: Justin Rose Eclipses Tiger in San Diego
Justin Rose rolled back the years at the Farmers Insurance Open, securing a dominant wire to wire victory that will live long in the memory. The 45 year old Englishman finished at 23 under par, eclipsing the previous 72 hole tournament record of 22 under set by Tiger Woods back in 1999.
Winning by a commanding seven stroke margin over a chasing pack that included Pierceson Coody and Si Woo Kim, Rose proved that his game remains elite. This 13th PGA Tour title has propelled him to number 3 in the Official World Golf Ranking, his highest position in years, and serves as a firm validation of his decision to continue competing on the traditional tours.
With recent close calls at Augusta, could eyes be on Justin to get his first green jacket in 2 months time?
Lake Nona: Nelly Korda Survives the Freeze
Over on the LPGA Tour, Nelly Korda claimed the season opening Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions at Lake Nona, though it was far from a standard finish. Extreme cold and high winds forced officials to cancel the final round on Sunday, with temperatures feeling as low as 11 degrees Fahrenheit.
Korda was declared the winner based on her 54 hole total of 13 under, highlighted by a spectacular 8 under 64 on Saturday which she described as one of the best rounds of her life. Finishing three shots clear of Amy Yang, Korda ends a winless 2025 drought and secures her 16th career title at a venue where she also won in 2021.
Bahrain Breakthrough: Schott Holds Off Reed
The DP World Tour provided its own share of drama at the Bahrain Championship, where 24 year old German Freddy Schott secured his maiden title in a tense three man play-off. Schott outlasted Calum Hill and the previous week’s Dubai winner, Patrick Reed, after all three finished tied at 17 under par.
Reed, who had been chasing back to back wins, dropped out at the first extra hole after finding a bunker and failing to save par. The showdown then moved to a second play-off hole where Hill unfortunately sent his tee shot out of bounds and subsequently found the water, eventually conceding the hole to Schott. It was a career defining moment for the young German, who now moves inside the world’s top 200.
LIV Golf: Ranking Recognition with a Twist
The ongoing saga of LIV Golf and world ranking points took a major turn this week as the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) finally granted the league’s application for points. However, the decision has caused significant upset within the LIV camp due to an “unprecedented” restriction.
Under the new rules, only the top 10 finishers in LIV’s 57 man fields will receive points. LIV officials released a defiant statement claiming the rule “disproportionately harms” consistent performers and emerging talent, noting that a player finishing 11th now receives the same reward as the player in last place: zero. While it is a step toward legitimacy, the friction between the league and the ranking body remains as high as ever.
Where do you stand on this call?
Equipment Watch: Wilson Debuts Dynapower Forged
Away from the leaderboards, Wilson Golf has officially announced the launch of the new Dynapower Forged irons, a slim cavity back design targeting players who want a blend of feel and distance.
The clubs are constructed from Forged 8620 Carbon Steel for a soft, responsive feel and feature a polished mirror finish for a premium look at address.
The design incorporates Variable Face Thickness, which has been optimised through AI simulation to increase flexion and energy transfer across the face.
A new TE-031 Urethane filled cavity has been integrated to dampen vibrations, further improving the sound and feel of the club.
The Big Picture
It has been an extraordinary week where records fell and new stars emerged. Whether it is Rose proving that age is just a number at Torrey Pines or the continuing evolution of the professional game’s structure, the 2026 season is proving to be one of the most compelling in recent memory.
More to come next week, explore here.