Dak Prescott’s on-course proposal, Matt Fitzpatrick’s off-course wedding and Donald Trump’s stinging golf insult

From Proposals to Pin-Sharp Shots: Inside the Week’s Most Buzz-Worthy Golf Stories

 

Welcome back to a thrilling edition of The Grind, where we dig deep into the latest drama, major milestones, and golf news that just can’t be ignored. And, for the record, this season feels like déjà vu on steroids; it was back in 2009—yep, 15 years ago—when the Yankees last claimed a World Series slot. In fact, we were still getting our footing at Golf Digest then. Fast forward to now, and I just co-captained my way to a Seitz Cup victory at the iconic Knickerbocker Country Club! Time’s winged chariot flies fast, and for the weary among us, keeping up with every baseball inning has become a marathon of sleepless nights, relentless coffee refills, and bleak WHOOP data on “recovery days.” Still, hats off to my Golf Digest “Old Team” teammates—and here’s hoping we don’t have to wait another 15 years for a shot at this glory again.

 

But let’s get to what’s happening in golf right now, beyond sleepless nights and Advil: the unforgettable proposals, weddings, and a certain biting golf insult from none other than Donald Trump himself. Buckle up, because it’s been quite the week.

 

J.T. Poston Shines at the Shriners Children’s Open

 

They call him The Postman—and J.T. Poston lived up to the name, delivering a spectacular finish at the Shriners Children’s Open. With a daring showdown that left golf fans buzzing, J.T. brought home his third PGA Tour victory. Notably, his caddie, Aaron Flener, pointed out that winning in Vegas adds a bit of flair: where else does the thrill of a win come with the allure of Sin City? And as their friend, country singer Dustin Lynch, hinted, Vegas might just be in for one heck of a celebration! After all, if Sin City survived the wild antics of Dennis Rodman, then J.T., Flener, and Lynch can surely handle a bit of revelry. But here’s hoping they enjoyed themselves—after all, victories like these deserve an unforgettable celebration.

 

Hannah Green’s Spectacular Year Continues

 

For Australian pro Hannah Green, 2024 has been nothing short of magical. Green’s victory at the BMW Ladies Championship saw her outpace Celine Boutier by a razor-thin margin, securing her sixth LPGA Tour title. But what’s behind this unstoppable momentum? For Green, it’s all about a transformative year that began with tying the knot with Jarryd Felton back in January. Reflecting on her success, Green shared, “I felt so much more motivated this off-season after getting married.” Her inspiring journey places her alongside Nelly Korda and Lydia Ko as one of just three LPGA players with three or more wins this year. And with every tournament, Green continues to show the world what she’s capable of achieving.

 

Julien Guerrier’s Long-Awaited Victory

 

Patience, as they say, is a virtue—and French golfer Julien Guerrier is living proof. After two decades as a pro, Guerrier achieved a monumental first: winning his maiden DP World Tour title at the Andalucía Masters. And though it took a grueling nine-hole playoff, the Frenchman’s resolve never wavered. “I was thinking of my wife and children as I sank that final putt,” Guerrier shared, clearly emotional from the moment. It’s the kind of feel-good win that keeps fans rooting for the sport’s unsung heroes, and as Guerrier savors this long-overdue success, it’s a reminder of the resilience that golf often demands.

 

Tim O’Neal’s Triumphant Victory on the PGA Tour Champions

 

There’s something truly inspiring about Tim O’Neal’s story—a journeyman who spent more than three decades grinding on the course, only to reach his career-defining win at the Dominion Energy Charity Classic on the PGA Tour Champions. Known for his near-miss at earning a PGA Tour card 25 years ago, O’Neal’s victory marks one of the most heartwarming stories of the year. This success also underscores the sheer depth of talent in golf, a sport where achieving longevity demands grit and determination beyond the ordinary. So to all the dreamers hoping to “make a run at the senior tour at 50,” O’Neal’s journey is a vivid reminder that it’s a path where the faint-hearted need not apply.

 

Winds Wreak Havoc at TPC Summerlin

 

Not all golf news brings smiles; sometimes, the sport’s challenges make us cringe. Case in point: the relentless wind conditions that plagued TPC Summerlin, where the “late-early” wave of players faced a 3.76-stroke disparity between the two waves. This uncontrollable factor left some golfers struggling against gusts that were as unkind as they were unpredictable, reminiscent of Golf Digest staffers’ own Seitz Cup trials on the ultra-slick greens. But as always, the show must go on, and the sport’s unpredictable nature is part of what makes it as humbling as it is thrilling.

 

Soaring Ryder Cup Ticket Prices—Even for Volunteers

 

As if the hefty $750 ticket price tag for the Ryder Cup weren’t eye-popping enough, there’s an added twist: volunteers at Bethpage Black will be forking out $350 to work the event. Factoring in credit-card fees, the total climbs to $392—making this “volunteer” role a pricey proposition. And while a commemorative pin and drawstring bag are included, fans are starting to question if asking volunteers to pay is just another sign of the sport’s exclusivity creeping ever upward. In an era where athletes are voicing their expectations for compensation, the conversation about cost-cutting is gaining momentum. And whether you’re a player, volunteer, or spectator, it’s clear that the price of entry into golf’s inner sanctum is reaching new heights.

 

What’s on Tap: The PGA Tour Heads to Japan

 

Next on the calendar, the PGA Tour takes us to Japan for the Zozo Championship—the tournament that, in 2019, brought Tiger Woods his remarkable 82nd PGA Tour title. Yet for Woods, now coping with lingering health issues, the odds of another win seem dim. With back problems and other ailments, it may well be that Japan’s Zozo Championship goes down in history as Tiger’s final PGA Tour victory. For fans, it’s a bittersweet moment, a reminder of the legend’s incredible career even as it hints at the end of an era.

With proposals, marriages, historic wins, and controversies shaping this week’s golf stories, there’s no shortage of highs and lows in the sport. So, as always, here’s to another week of unforgettable moments in golf—because in this game, anything can happen, and it’s always worth sticking around to see.