The Gary Player Country Club golf course will feature several changes to this iconic layout when it welcomes this year’s field of professionals for the Nedbank Golf Challenge in honour of Gary Player.

As part of the ongoing drive to enhance the player and spectator experience at “Africa’s Major”, Gary Player has personally overseen key strategic and aesthetic changes for the 4-7 December showpiece.

“When it comes to the Nedbank Golf Challenge we’re synonymous with providing both a great spectacle and challenge for the players. Mr Player has been instrumental in making these changes. These players are the best in the world and we want to keep challenging them while also keeping the balance that it remains exciting for the fans to watch,” said Ken Payet, the Tournament Director for the Nedbank Golf Challenge.

Bush has been cleared from the right side of the par-three fourth hole, showcasing more of the green and water hazard from the tee.

“From the tee it really opens up the hole and makes it even more visually appealing,” said Payet.

The par-three seventh has a new tee complex, with the professional tee pushed back 25 metres.

“We’re very excited about this change because it offers some great tee options in relation to flag position,” said Payet.

Bush has also been cleared on the left of the hole, and a bunker at the front left of the green has been removed.

The right fairway bunker on the par-five ninth has been removed to entice the players to be more aggressive on this feature hole.

“Mr Player removed the fairway bunker on the right to encourage the professionals to hit driver down that right-hand side, and then entice them to go for the green in two and chase the birdies and eagles the fans wants to see,” said Payet.

The par-five 14th has also had bush cleared down the right-hand side in preparation of a new tee here in the future.

“We’ve cleared a lot of bushes down the right-hand side to open up the fairway a bit. In the player’s mind he thinks he can take off a bit more on the corner, but he can still get himself into trouble. There is also a plan to extend the distance of this hole by at least 40 metres next year, and this helps with that,” said Payet.

Behind the 14th green there is a new player pathway through the bush leading to a new back tee on the 15th.

“It’s a nice experience we’ve created for the players to walk through the bush a bit and maybe have a bit of quiet time with themselves and their caddies.

"Then regarding the new back tee on 15, Mr Player has taken it back almost 45 metres to create a strong par four. It puts a driver into the player’s hands. To carry the left-hand fairway bunker is now 305 metres, so even for the likes of big-hitters like Aldrich Potgieter, it will get their attention.

"This hole generally plays downwind with the wind from the north, but if we get a wind from the south it will be a really tough hole. This was a key change from Mr Player to make the golf course more challenging for the players.”

With the golf course now closed to the public, Payet said he is really pleased with how their course preparation is going in the final build-up to Nedbank Golf Challenge.

“From today when we close the golf course to the public, right up to the tournament, we focus on every bit of detail regarding the conditioning of the course. It’s all about making sure we’re as close to perfection as possible by the time tournament week arrives.

“We’re in a good space in terms of our preparation. We’ve had some good rain. We’ve fertilised the rough so that’s definitely going to kick in. We’re very pleased with the players we’ve announced, including a lot of South Africans who are playing great golf this year. So the stars just need to align in order to bring it all together in tournament week.”

The enhancements to the golf course are matched by several enhancements to the fan hospitality experience this year.

The Hospitali-TEE Lounge – an enhanced VIP hospitality option for the public – is offering a first-of-its-kind in the history of “Africa’s Major”, with fans gaining exclusive 18th grandstand access as well as player autograph opportunities, a photo opportunity with the Nedbank Golf Challenge trophy at the Hospitali-TEE Lounge facility, a voucher to the value of R500 per Hospitali-TEE Lounge ticket purchased for official Nedbank Golf Challenge merchandise at The Pro Shop at Sun City, and a range of other enhancements to this popular concept.

And the Sunbet Signs on 18th viewing seating area will make its debut this year, offering a prime viewing experience in comfortable director’s chairs right alongside the 18th fairway and close to where most of the professionals will land their tee shots.

The LPGA Tour announced that the International Crown will be played at the Lake Merced Golf Club in San Francisco for the sixth edition of the team event in 2027.

The only team event in women's golf that is contested by global teams, the 2025 International Crown included seven national teams and one World Team. It was won by Australia at the New Korea Country Club outside of Seoul.

The International Crown was first contested in 2014 at Caves Valley Golf Club in Maryland. It was played at the Merit Club in Illinois in 2016 and at the Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea in South Korea in 2018. After being canceled in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the International Crown was held at TPC Harding Park in San Francisco in 2023.

The event is sponsored by Hanwha, a global business conglomerate based in the Republic of Korea whose AI hub is located in San Francisco.

"After such a successful Hanwha Lifeplus International Crown in Korea, we are thrilled to bring the next playing of this exciting team event back to San Francisco and the spectacular Lake Merced Golf Club," said Chris Madsen, managing director of LPGA APAC Region.

"The International Crown is a brilliant demonstration of the global power of women's golf, with athletes playing for both country and personal pride. We look forward to working with our partners at Hanwha in the continued growth of this special event."

The LIV Golf League announced a slight expansion of its qualifying opportunities for prospective members on Monday.

BREAKING: LIV Golf expands pathways to the 2026 League.

Two spots will be awarded through LIV Golf Promotions at Black Diamond Ranch (Jan 8–11, 2026), and two more through The International Series. #LIVGolf pic.twitter.com/qWlDrt4NLt

— LIV Golf (@livgolf_league) November 3, 2025

The top two finishers at a new LIV Golf Promotions event in Florida in January will earn spots in the league for 2026.

At previous years' qualifiers held in Dubai and Saudi Arabia, only the winners earned a tour card.

The expanded four-round event (only 54 holes in previous years) will be held from January 8-11 at Black Diamond Ranch in Lecanto, Florida.

In addition, the top two finishers in the 2025 International Series rankings who are not already exempt will also earn places in LIV Golf for 2026, up from just one exemption granted in previous years.

Zimbabwe's Scott Vincent and the Philippines' Miguel Tabuena currently sit in first and second place heading into the final two tournaments on the calendar.

"LIV Golf continues to expand pathways for players around the world to qualify into the first truly global golf league," said LIV Golf CEO Scott O'Neil.

"As fan interest in LIV Golf continues to increase and the opportunity to compete across the US, Asia Pacific, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East against some of the biggest names in golf grows, it's only natural that we broaden access for talented, ambitious players to earn their way into the league."

The top 10 finishers, including ties, at the LIV Golf Promotions event in Florida will earn full exemption into the 2026 International Series.

The promotions event also includes a $1.5 million prize purse, with $200 000 to the winner.

It came down to the final hole for Irish musician Brian McFadden to lead his team to a thrilling victory in the Gary & Vivienne Player Invitational at the Gary Player Country Club on Sunday.

After two days of golf at the Gary Player Country Club and Lost City Golf Club against the backdrop of Gary Player’s 90th birthday celebration, it was McFadden and his team of Sunshine Tour professional Luke Brown, and business leaders Darren Roos and Surinder Arora, who walked off with the famed baobab trophy as winners of this tournament.

But first they had to withstand a strong charge from the team of Springbok legend Bryan Habana to claim a narrow one stroke victory on 46 under par.

Habana and his team of Sunshine Tour professional Malcolm Mitchell, and businessmen Wilco van Deijl and Henri van Deijl, came storming through the field with an outstanding haul of 105 points on the final day to finish in the clubhouse on 45 under par.

It was a performance that even prompted Mitchell to declare, “I’ve been playing golf a long time and I’ve never seen something like what we did today”.

But McFadden and his team withstood their challenge and finished strong with a six-pointer on their last hole to take the title.

In the history of this tournament, this particular victory felt even more special for this team.

“It’s incredible, and to be able to achieve this on Mr Player’s 90th birthday makes it even more special,” said a delighted Roos.

It was a sentiment echoed by Arora, who celebrated his first team victory in this tournament.

“I’m lost for words actually. This is a first win here for me, but it was all down to how well we played as a team,” he said.

McFadden, a longtime supporter of this tournament who has tasted victory here before, was thrilled to have pulled off such a close triumph.

“We were a great team for two days and dovetailed so well. I think Luke, our professional, saw some new shots from the rest of us that he probably didn’t even know you could play in this game, such as drivers out of bunkers and so on,” he said.

And Sunshine Tour professional Brown was humbled to claim a victory in a tournament hosted by an icon of South African golf.

“It was such a privilege to be here, and then to play in a team like this for two days. To then go on and win is absolutely amazing,” he said.

Surrounded by family, friends and business leaders from all over the world and a selection of South Africa’s greatest sports stars and young professional golfers, Gary Player felt every bit of the love shown him on his 90th birthday on Saturday.

“The greatest word in any language is love, and there is just so much love among everybody here. I feel incredibly honoured and grateful to have everybody here,” he said.

Player’s birthday is being celebrated against the backdrop of the 36-hole Gary & Vivienne Player Invitational tournament, played on both the Gary Player Country Club and Lost City Golf Club courses.

Saturday’s first round ended with former Miss World and now entrepreneur Rolene Strauss and her team of Sunshine Tour professional Christiaan Burke and amateur guests Greg Deglise and Francois Verhack leading on 96 points following their round at the Lost City Golf Club.

Their nearest challengers are the teams of Irish musician Brian McFadden, Sunshine Tour professional Luke Brown, and amateur guests Darren Roos and Surinder Arora; and rugby star Owen Nkumane, Sunshine Tour professional Wynand Dingle, and amateurs David Fraser and Alan Prentice on 95 points. Both teams also played the Lost City Golf Club on Saturday.

The leaderboard remains tight, though, with the team of former Springbok Patrick Lambie, Sunshine Tour professional Pieter Moolman, and amateurs Giuseppe Ciucci and Sean Summer just three points off the lead in fourth place.

But the 90th birthday of a man so admired remains the biggest celebration this weekend.

“Looking at Gary Player and what he’s achieved in all spheres of life – whether it be professional sport, whether it be philanthropy, whether it’s the love he has for South Africa and his iconic sporting royalty status – what’s been the standout for me is his undying desire to want to give back,” said Springbok rugby legend Bryan Habana.

“His philanthropy in every way or form has probably been one of the greatest elements of his legacy that I look up to, and it inspires me the manner in which he’s done it. We are fortunate to celebrate a very special human being this weekend. A human being who turns 90, but a human being who’s impacted the world in such a positive way.”

Fellow Springbok Steven Kitshoff was in agreement. “Hearing a lot about Mr Player when I was a kid and growing up and his famous quote, ‘The harder you practice, the luckier you get’ was something that always stuck with me. So I think what Mr Player has done, not just for South African sport, the difference he’s made globally has been massive. I have a lot of respect for him and his late wife Vivienne, and what they’ve done with this tournament and everything they give back to the community.”

Another rugby great in Jaco Kriel had a similar sentiment. “For me, he’s not just a great golfer, but to leave a legacy like he’s doing at the moment is amazing. I think that’s any sportsman’s dream – to leave a legacy like that and still live his legacy and make such a difference.”

Hye-Jin Choi carded a 6-under-par 66 on Friday to extend her lead to five strokes following the second round of the Maybank Championship in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Choi bogeyed the first hole before recording seven birdies over the final 17 on Friday to reside at 14-under 130 at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club course.

The 26-year-old South Korean is vying for her first win on the LPGA Tour, although she secured a second-place finish at the 2017 US Women's Open as a 17-year-old amateur.

Hye-Jin Choi is showing no signs of slowing down here at the @maybankchampion 🔥@HopeBarnett_ recaps the second round here on #LPGANow 👉 https://t.co/J9ismRApQ1 pic.twitter.com/P321jHXj1U

— LPGA (@LPGA) October 31, 2025

"So from the start I made a bogey on the first hole, but I tried to keep the faith and play steady," Choi said. "So I made lots of birdies today and my shots and putting was all good."

Defending champion Ruoning Yin of China moved into a tie for second after shooting a 67 on Friday.

Yin, who rolled off four consecutive birdies on holes Nos. 3-6 and added three more against two bogeys, is tied with Australian Hannah Green (69).

"I feel like every part of my game is getting better every day, especially my putting," Yin said.

"I said it in the press conference, I think my putting is the only thing that is not quite at the spot. But I feel really good after two days."

Green, who won the BMW Ladies Championship last year in Paju, South Korea, said she feels comfortable playing in a place closer to home than many LPGA destinations.

"Yeah, I really enjoy coming to Asia," Green said. "The food can be difficult sometimes. I must admit I'm not good with spice so I don't really do much Malaysian food. I just really enjoy when we come here.

"I think having the same time zone makes it helpful to be able to communicate with those back at home. I know these weeks can be some of the longest weeks of the year, so making sure I don't get too ahead of myself and take it easy and rest a little bit more than probably usual."

New Zealand's Lydia Ko (70) is part of an eight-golfer contingent tied for fourth place at 8-under.

World No 1 Jeeno Thitikul (70) finds herself in a tie for 18th place at 6-under.

This is the third edition of this no-cut event, which was first won by Frenchwoman Celine Boutier on the ninth hole of a playoff against Thitikul in 2023.

Yin set the tournament record of 23-under with her one-shot victory last year against Thitikul.

Hye-Jin Choi leads by 5 after Round 2 🫨

LEADERBOARD HERE ➡️ https://t.co/PrWhvn1llF pic.twitter.com/A3EGsn9dOs

— LPGA (@LPGA) October 31, 2025

A selection of Sunshine Tour professionals and an array of South Africa’s most iconic sports stars started arriving at Sun City on Friday, as well as guests from around the world.

And the man they have all come to celebrate with on his 90th birthday – Gary Player – was out doing what he does best. He was on the golf course.

South Africa’s greatest ever sportsman was quietly driving around his beloved Gary Player Country Club golf course casting an eye over the layout he designed and constructed, and which itself has become an icon in the game.

It’s a golf course he has seen go through many evolutions as the game has changed over the decades. And similarly, Player will walk its fairways this weekend in his 90th year as a man who has also evolved, from one of the game’s most iconic golfers to a leading golf course designer and then to a philanthropist.

This November, I celebrate 90 years — not just with family and friends, but through the Gary & Vivienne Player Invitational. We’ll celebrate with purpose: to give back.#gvpi #gvpf #giveback #90acts pic.twitter.com/bpqBtsyqeS

— GARY PLAYER (@garyplayer) October 2, 2025

This weekend, the Gary Player Country Club and Player’s other masterpiece here at Sun City, the Lost City Golf Club, will host the 36-hole Gary & Vivienne Player Invitational tournament in partnership with the Gary & Vivienne Player Foundation and its support of the Blair Atholl Pre-Primary School.

And the Sunshine Tour is paying its own tribute to a man who has been its greatest ambassador for decades, with 43 Sunshine Tour professionals – from stars such as David Frost to current champions such as Luis Carrera, Pieter Moolman and Warwick Purchase – competing this weekend alongside the sports stars, celebrities and business leaders who will all challenge for the famed baobab trophy.

Sunshine Tour Commissioner Thomas Abt said it was a privilege for their professionals to pay tribute to Gary Player this weekend.

“Gary Player has always been one of the Sunshine Tour’s greatest ambassadors. We are truly blessed by his ongoing support of our Tour and the inspiration he is to our professionals. It is an honour for our professionals to be here, and to wish him a very happy 90th birthday on behalf of the Sunshine Tour,” said Abt.

More importantly, they will join the other luminaries in the spirit of golf and giving that this event represents and which, through partners such as Sun International, BMW, Citadel, Tabono, The Pro Shop, Rolex and Cell C, continues to support the valuable endowment fund created to help ensure the sustainability of the Blair Atholl Pre-Primary School.

Hye-Jin Choi carded an 8-under 64 to seize a one-stroke lead after the first round of the Maybank Championship on Thursday in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The South Korean recorded an eagle at the par-5 third hole and her sixth birdie on the par-5 18th at Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club (West Course).

"If you don't miss your tee shot you don't make bogeys, you can make a lot of birdies," Choi said after her bogey-free round. "I had a lot of situations which I could make bogeys because of rough and hazard, but I made a lot of good pars."

Hye-Jin Choi grabbed ahold of the lead on Thursday at the Maybank Championship 👊

WATCH NOW ⬇️ https://t.co/XtcDXMJzqY pic.twitter.com/nzZ4zbBjG8

— LPGA (@LPGA) October 30, 2025

Choi holds a one-shot lead over both Scottish player Gemma Dryburgh and Italy's Benedetta Moresco.

"It was a very stress-free round," said Dryburgh, who capped her bogey-free round by collecting her seventh birdie on the 18th hole.

Dryburgh, who hails from Scotland but now lives in New Orleans, said living in Louisiana allowed her to quickly adjust to the hot conditions in Malaysia.

"Yeah, thankful the experience in New Orleans helps me," she said. "Obviously in the summer it's kind of like this. So, experience from that, kind of using that this week. Obviously very different to Scotland. Yeah, just using all that experience from New Orleans and Tulane University."

Moresco kept pace by firing nine birdies against two bogeys.

"Yeah, just tell myself to trust my feelings," she said. "I've been working hard last week and golf didn't go well my way the last two weeks on Tour, so I just try to stay calm and collected out there and today paid off for sure."

New Zealand's Lydia Ko and Australia's Hannah Green are part of a seven-golfer contingent tied at 6-under.

World No 1 Jeeno Thitikul of Thailand shot 4-under over her last 11 holes to finish with a 68, tying her with defending champion Ruoning Yin of China in 21st place.

"I'll take it every single day," Thitikul said of her score. "But ... even you shoot how low you shoot, but you still have something that's a mistake and then you want to work it on anyway.

"But, overall, I think it's really good start for the week.""

This is the third edition of this no-cut event, which was first won by Frenchwoman Celine Boutier on the ninth hole of a playoff against Thitikul in 2023.

Yin set the tournament record of 23-under with her one-shot victory last year against Thitikul.

Jordan Spieth, Akshay Bhatia and Billy Horschel were announced Wednesday as the three players who will fill out the 20-player field at this year's Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas.

As expected, tournament host Tiger Woods will not play after undergoing back surgery on 10 October that will prevent him from playing in the event at the Albany Golf Course in Nassau from 4-7 December.

It is unknown what the potential timeline for a return to competition is for Woods, who will turn 50 on 30 December.

The most recent tournament for the 15-time major champion was the Open Championship in July 2024, where he missed the cut.

Woods also had surgery in March to repair a ruptured Achilles tendon.

Meanwhile, two-time defending champion and World No 1 Scottie Scheffler highlights this year's Hero World Challenge field.

The field is set 👏
Jordan Spieth, Billy Horschel, and Akshay Bhatia join the field for the 2025 Hero World Challenge, December 4–7 at Albany.

Learn more: https://t.co/K4yrgRjBbw pic.twitter.com/pV3Pyug0mf

— TGR Live (@TGRLiveEvents) October 29, 2025

2026 HERO WORLD CHALLENGE FIELD

Scottie Scheffler

Justin Thomas

J.J. Spaun

Robert MacIntyre

Harris English

Keegan Bradley

Justin Rose

Sepp Straka

Hideki Matsuyama

Cameron Young

Sam Burns

Corey Conners

Chris Gotterup

Wyndham Clark

Brian Harman

Andrew Novak

Alex Noren

Akshay Bhatia

Billy Horschel

Jordan Spieth

Tiger Woods turns 50 on 30 December and therefore would be eligible to compete for the PGA Tour Champions in 2026.

Now, Woods hasn't revealed his hand in that regard. And, to be fair, it's not his hand that is the issue. It's his back, as in the recent back surgery that throws into question any kind of competitive golf for the 15-time major winner.

With that said, PGA Tour Champions president Miller Brady told Golf Channel that the tour is ready should Woods try his luck on the senior circuit.

"The answer is yes, we're ready. We're well prepared," Brady said. "We've done some white boarding over the past year in preparation for Tiger turning 50, and if and when he plays, our tournaments will be prepared."

So what type of preparations are being considered?

"It is going to be more. And you mentioned it – security, buses, portalettes, concession stands – all of that is taken into account when we prepare for (Woods playing)," he said.

Brady, however, opted to keep it simple given Woods's recent surgery.

"To be honest with you," Brady said, "given the last surgery, I just hope that Tiger gets back on his feet and is able to play golf again."

Woods has been absent from PGA Tour-sanctioned tournaments since the Open Championship in July 2024.

He has been plagued by health issues since a 2021 car accident. He had surgery to repair a ruptured left Achilles tendon in March.

The Sunshine Tour’s next wave of players looking to make their way onto the DP World Tour will be confirmed this week as four South Africans tee it up in the HotelPlanner Tour’s Rolex Grand Final supported by The R&A in Spain.

JC Ritchie, Daniel van Tonder, Jovan Rebula and Wilco Nienaber are all at the Club de Golf Alcanada in Mallorca chasing their DP World Tour dreams.

The top 20 players on the Road to Mallorca Ranking at the end of the Grand Final will secure DP World Tour cards for the next season.

Ritchie, the top-ranked player on the ranking, has already secured himself a DP World Tour card following his sensational three victories on the HotelPlanner Tour this season which earns him automatic qualification.

Daniel van Tonder is also virtually assured a DP World Tour card thanks to his 11th place on the ranking after his victories in the first two events of the season in the co-sanctioned tournaments in South Africa – the SDC Open and the MyGolfLife Open hosted by Pecanwood Estate.

“I’ve been very consistent this season, and that has been the most satisfying for me,” said Van Tonder, who has had experience of the DP World Tour before. “I think the biggest thing I’ll take with me onto the DP World Tour this time is to just trust myself,” he said.

Both Rebula and Nienaber are currently just outside the top 20 so this week is a key opportunity for them. Rebula is in 22nd place and Nienaber in 29th.

“Starting the year out with no status, it’s a good thing for me to be here now and have a chance to get my hands on a DP World Tour card because that was the goal from the beginning,” said Rebula.

“These are always high-stake weeks and it’s a privilege to feel a little bit different at an event like this because there’s a lot on the line. It’s a good golf course and it suits me pretty well. It’s also lekker to have four South Africans in the field. Hopefully we can get four more South Africans on the DP World Tour.”

Nienaber is equally excited about the possibilities of this week.

“I’m feeling confident in the work I’ve done and am swinging it as good as ever. I know this course and that helps. But this week I can finish in the top 10 and it can be good enough, or I can finish in the top five it can’t be good enough depending on what the others guys do. I’ve made a few changes this year and I’m at peace with those. I haven’t had the results, but it will change at some point, so why not this week?”

US President Donald Trump's granddaughter Kai Trump is poised to make her LPGA Tour debut after receiving a sponsor invitation on Tuesday to the 13-16 November  tournament at Pelican Golf Club in Florida.

"My dream has been to compete with the best in the world on the LPGA Tour," Kai Trump said in a statement posted on the LPGA's website. "This event will be an incredible experience.

"I look forward (to) meeting and competing against so many of my heroes and mentors in golf as I make my LPGA Tour debut."

I will be making my LPGA Tour debut in November at The ANNIKA driven by Gainbridge at Pelican! See you November 10-16 - at Pelican Golf Club in Belleair, FL. Visit https://t.co/iUuh3w1b47 @theannikalpga @ANNIKA59 @LPGA for more information. pic.twitter.com/mmqVfMFukD

— Kai Trump (@kaitrump) October 28, 2025

The 18-year-old high school senior, the eldest child of Donald Trump Jr, is ranked 461st in the American Junior Golf Assciation rankings and has committed to play collegiate golf at the University of Miami.

She also has a strong social media presence, with millions of followers across multiple platforms.

The $3.25 million The ANNIKA at Pelican in Belleair, Florida, is the penultimate event of the LPGA season, which will conclude with the Tour Championship from 20-23 November in Naples, Florida.

It traditionally attracts a strong field and was won in 2024 by American star Nelly Korda.

Other sponsor invitations have gone to Wake Forest University senior Anne-Sterre den Dunnen of the Netherlands and Northwestern University standout Lauryn Nguyen.

"Sponsor invitations are an important way to spotlight emerging talent and bring new attention to our tournaments and the LPGA,” said Ricki Lasky, LPGA Chief Tour Business and Operations Officer.

"Kai’s broad following and reach are helping introduce golf to new audiences, especially among younger fans. We’re excited to see her take this next step in her journey, and we're proud to work closely with our partners in Tampa Bay whose continued commitment to advancing the women's game helps elevate the LPGA and expand its visibility."

Two new tournaments highlight the 28-event PGA Tour Champions 2026 schedule that features a record-setting purse total.

The Portugal Invitational in Algarve (week of July 27-August 2), and the Jefferson Lehigh Valley Classic in Allentown, Pennsylvania, (September 28-October 4) are the new additions to the schedule.

The total prize money for the season is $69 million, a slight increase from this year.

Mark your Calendars!

The 2026 PGA TOUR Champions schedule is here! pic.twitter.com/ceSse2cvml

— PGA TOUR Champions (@ChampionsTour) October 28, 2025

"We are thrilled to be adding new events in Portugal and Pennsylvania to an existing schedule highlighted by tremendous title sponsors in many markets which have become staples of Champions Tour golf," PGA Tour Champions president Miller Brady said.

"The incredible play we've seen from some of the game's legends this season is sure to continue in 2026, and we are looking forward to building on that continued momentum for our partners and fans."

The Champions Tour will visit four countries (Morocco, Scotland, Portugal and Canada) and 18 different states.

The 25-event regular season will begin with the Mitsubishi Electric Championship at Hualalai during the week of January 19-24 (Saturday finish) in Ka'upulehu-Kona, Hawaii.

The major championships will be played at The Concession Golf Club in Bradenton, Fla. (Senior PGA), Greystone Golf & Country Club in Birmingham, Alabama. (Regions Tradition), Scioto Country Club in Columbus, Ohio (US Senior Open), Firestone Country Club in Akron, Ohio (Kaulig Companies Championship) and Gleneagles in Auchterarder, Scotland (Senior Open).

The 10th-annual Charles Schwab Cup Playoffs will begin at the Stifel Charity Classic on October 19-25.

The Simmons Bank Championship will bring the Champions Tour to Pleasant Valley Country Club in Little Rock, Arkansas. (October 26-Nov 1).

The season will conclude with the Charles Schwab Cup Championship at Phoenix Country Club the week of November 9-15.

Steven Alker of New Zealand posted a 3-under-par 69 as he cruised to a seven-shot victory at the Simmons Bank Championship on Sunday in Little Rock, Arkansas.

At the penultimate event of the PGA Tour Champions season, Alker vaulted from fourth to first place in the season-long Charles Schwab Cup standings.

He's now in position to win his third Schwab Cup in four years.

Pure domination in Little Rock 💪

Steven Alker is the champion at the Simmons Bank Championship! pic.twitter.com/ATf2jtLC0N

— PGA TOUR Champions (@ChampionsTour) October 26, 2025

Alker won the season-long title in 2022, his first full year on the tour, and again in 2024 when he held off South Africa's Ernie Els in points late in the year.

"Obviously you want to be as far ahead as you can," Alker said. "I know there's not much gap, there's probably five, six guys who can win it. So again, it happens every year apart from (Steve) Stricker a couple years ago. I've been there, I know what it feels like and got it done, so hey, we'll just get working on the game."

Alker finished the three-day event at Pleasant Valley Country Club with a 20-under-par 196. Buoyed by an opening-day 61, he entered Sunday with a five-stroke advantage on his way to a wire-to-wire victory.

There's a new No. 1 in the Charles Schwab Cup standings after @SBGolfChamp 👀

The moment Steven Alker secured the win in Little Rock 🏆 pic.twitter.com/KDb2nRJwdc

— PGA TOUR Champions (@ChampionsTour) October 26, 2025

Richard Green of Australia (66) and Tag Ridings (71) tied for second at 13 under par. Stewart Cink (69) was alone in fourth at 11 under.

Alker made his first bogey of the tournament at the par-4 ninth but erased it at the very next hole.

On his third shot at the par-5 10th, Alker flipped a wedge shot onto the green, and after the ball's second hop it backspun straight into the cup for eagle.

"That bogey actually annoyed me because it was my first one of the week, and holed that shot (at No 10) and I hit some beautiful shots on the next couple holes as well," Stricker said. "Just kind of got me fired up a little bit I think, that was it. I hit – it's hard to, you're so far ahead to just keep those targets, keep firing at them."

Win No. 10 on PGA TOUR Champions for Steven Alker🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆 pic.twitter.com/sKUcfbhZjx

— PGA TOUR Champions (@ChampionsTour) October 26, 2025

Alker birdied the next two holes before making bogeys at Nos. 13 and 17 coming in.

Ridings made the biggest jump in the Schwab Cup standings. He entered the week on the bubble in the 35th spot – only the top 36 qualify for next month's Charles Schwab Cup Championship in Phoenix.

Ridings' stellar week, which began with two rounds of 66, rocketed him up to 22nd place and locked up his berth in the season finale.

Dicky Pride entered the week in the 37th place in the standings and didn't do enough to surpass No 36 Tommy Gainey for the last spot in the Charles Schwab Cup Championship. Gainey went 6 under for the week and Pride finished back at 3 under.

Alker unseated Spain's Miguel Angel Jimenez for first place. Jimenez, Cink, Els and Denmark's Thomas Bjorn round out the top five in points entering the season finale.

Minjee Lee led the way as Australia stunned the United States in the final to win the LPGA Tour's International Crown for the first time on Sunday in South Korea.

The Australians clinched victory in the biennial team golf trophy when world No 3 Lee beat Angel Yin and Hannah Green downed Yealimi Noh in their singles matches, both 2 and 1.

Steph Kyriacou and Grace Kim tied their foursomes match with Lilia Vu and Lauren Coughlin, but by that time, the result was already in the bag.

Lee, a three-time major winner, said the team nature of the victory made it even more special.

The moment Team Aussie claimed the crown 👑🏆 pic.twitter.com/xor12WPGXR

— LPGA (@LPGA) October 26, 2025

"I'm so happy that I could do it with these girls, it was just a lot of fun this whole week," she said.

"Playing match play is something different and we don't get to do it too often."

Lee came through a close battle with Yin, with neither player managing to edge more than one ahead until the Australian broke clear at the end.

Kyriacou said the Australians had to dig deep to lift the trophy in their fifth appearance in the competition, including a runner-up finish to Thailand two years ago.

"In a lot of our matches, we were behind the eight-ball, especially going into the back nine," said Kyriacou.

"We managed to come back in every match with me and Gracey.

"I think having grit throughout the week got us over the line."

Australia beat the World team in Sunday morning's semifinals while the Americans got the better of Japan.

The World team beat Japan for third place after singles wins for England's Charley Hull and New Zealand's Lydia Ko over Ayake Furue and Rio Takeda respectively.

Mao Saigo and Miyu Yamashita beat Taiwan's Hsu Wei-ling and Canada's Brooke Henderson in the foursomes match.

Thailand, China, South Korea and Sweden were eliminated in the pool stage.

An emotional Miguel Tabuena fell to his knees and kissed the turf at his home Sta. Elena Golf Club after winning the International Series Philippines on Sunday for the biggest victory of his career.

A brilliant third straight round of seven-under 65, including a spectacular chip-in for birdie at the 15th, saw the Filipino stretch away to 24-under par and win by three strokes.

For the flag. For the fans. For history. 🇵🇭@migueltabuena becomes the first Filipino to win an International Series title, and he did it right here at home. 🏆

What a defining moment for Philippine golf! ⛳️#InternationalSeries #ThisISEverything #TimeToRise pic.twitter.com/xG8WEONlbA

— Asian Tour (@asiantourgolf) October 26, 2025

The Japanese pair of Kazuki Higa (65) and Yosuke Asaji (67) finished joint second on 21-under to head a high-quality chasing pack.

But the day was all about local hero Tabuena, playing with a colossal weight of expectation on his shoulders at his home course in front of family, friends and large crowds following his every move.

The 31-year-old held his nerve until the final putt for par was safely in the cup.

"I'm still on a high right now," said Tabuena, his voice cracking with exhaustion, elation and pure emotion.

"I've always wanted to get my hands on one of these trophies and it was nice that the first one is at home, in my home club.

"I'm so thankful for everyone who came out, my family, my friends."

It was his fourth win on the Asian Tour but first on the elevated International Series of $2 million events bankrolled by LIV Golf.

'DREAM COME TRUE'

Tabuena dominated a loaded field containing four major champions to carry away the sparkling new trophy and a cheque for $360 000.

"I'm speechless right now and exhausted, but I'm glad that we were able to get it done this week."

The final group all started on 17-under par and it was Tabuena who made the early move with birdies at the second and third.

The challenge from playing partners Sarit Suwannarut and Sampson Zheng melted away as they both carded 69 to finish at 20-under par in a share of fourth.

It was a second successive Sunday of disappointment for Thailand's Sarit, who began last week's final round of the Macau Open with a two-shot lead only to card a three-over 73 and finish fourth.

Tabuena moves to second in the International Series order of merit with three events to play.

The series winner will be granted a place on the LIV Golf league roster for 2026.

"It's certainly different playing at home," said Tabuena, who shed more tears as he was hugged by his mother Lorna, father Luigi, wife Sandra and 22-month-old daughter Paloma on the 18th green.

"It's a dream come true. It's special."

It was the most prestigious tournament ever staged in the Philippines, but none of the major winners managed to make a run at Tabuena.

Charl Schwartzel, the 2011 US Masters champion, was the best of them as a final-round 68 took him to 14-under par and a share of 12th.

Two-time major winner Dustin Johnson was a shot further back after a 6,7 and the 2018 Masters champion Patrick Reed finished on 11-under after a 70.

Steven Alker maintained his sizable lead in the second round of the Simmons Bank Championship Saturday in Little Rock, Arkansas, by going bogey-free for the second straight day.

After posting an 11-under-par 61 on Friday, Alker shot 6 under on Saturday to enter the final round with a five-stroke lead at 17 under at Pleasant Valley Country Club.

The New Zealander's day included three straight birdies on Holes 6-8 and then birdies on 16 and 18 to close out his round.

What a finish for Steven Alker‼️

The defending Charles Schwab Cup champion is heading into Sunday @SBGolfChamp with a five(!) shot lead. pic.twitter.com/IbpPoB5ENS

— PGA TOUR Champions (@ChampionsTour) October 25, 2025

Through two rounds of the event, he's tallied 17 birdies and no scores worse than par.

"I had a little goal going out, just keep my nose clean again, not make any bogeys. So, if you're giving away shots, you're giving away shots to the guys. I did that today, which I was really pleased with," Alker said after his round.

"Then (I) threw some birdies in there. ... My lead was 5 going out and I've still got it, so that's nice."

Alker, who won the Charles Schwab Cup in 2022 and 2024, began the week in fourth place in this year's standings.

Should he preserve this lead, he's projected to move atop the leaderboard entering next month's playoff finale, the Charles Schwab Cup Championship in Phoenix.

He's not taking it easy going into Sunday's final round.

"I don't shoot (low), someone else might," Alker said. "I have that mentality of just kind of staying patient but kind of conservatively aggressive, taking my chances where I can because there's a low round out there. Someone can hunt me down pretty quick."

Tag Ridings, who posted his second straight 6 under score Saturday, is alone in second place at 12 under, tying with Alker for the low round of the day.

He entered the weekend firmly on the bubble for the final playoff event, ranking 35th with only the top 36 of the 54 golfers competing this weekend advancing to the Charles Schwab Cup Championship.

Ridings is now projected to sit 22nd in the standings should he remain in second place.

"It's really nice to play some solid back-to-back rounds without really – I've hit some poor shots but I've gotten away with them," Ridings said. "I've worked hard to get a lot of pars out of it. That's been nice, especially on a hard golf course."

Justin Leonard sits in third place at 10 under after shooting 4 under on Saturday. Cameron Percy and Greg Chalmers of Australia as well as Stewart Cink are tied for fourth at 8 under.

Cink entered the week second in the Charles Schwab Cup standings while current leader Miguel Angel Jimenez has struggled this week, tied for 30th at 1 under.

Miguel Tabuena held his nerve to sink a 10-foot par putt at the 18th Saturday and complete a third round of seven-under-par 65 that put him in a three-way tie for the lead at the International Series Philippines.

Tabuena followed his hole-in-one Friday with two eagles and three birdies to electrify the Filipino fans for a second day running at his home Sta. Elena Golf Club, south of Manila.

He moved to 17-under par, level with overnight leader Sarit Suwannarut of Thailand, who shot 69, and Sampson Zheng of China, who carded the round of the day, a brilliant 10-under 62.

We have a three-way tie after 54 holes at the International Series Philippines ⛳ 🇵🇭

How will the drama unfold on Sunday?https://t.co/QQChqRqIrM #InternationalSeries #ThisISEverything #TimeToRise pic.twitter.com/QRUf3jHaSF

— Asian Tour (@asiantourgolf) October 25, 2025

They will form the final group on Sunday, but it is the Filipino, Tabuena, who will carry home hopes as he chases glory in the $2 million elevated Asian Tour event.

"It was crazy. I haven't played in front of that many people for a long time," Tabuena, a three-time winner on the Asian Tour, said after his second successive 65.

"It makes it even more special that it is in the Philippines."

The powerful Zheng had eight birdies and an eagle in a sparkling 62, which enabled him to come from seven shots behind Sarit at the start of the day and muscle into Sunday's final group.

"Just hit a lot of greens and made a lot of putts," said Zheng, who improved on his second-round 66.

"The last two days I've played some tremendous golf, so if I could repeat that, that would be the goal."

'TOUGH ONE'

Sarit went into the final round of the Macau Open a week ago with a two-shot lead only to card a three-over 73 and finish fourth.

He began his round on Saturday with a four-shot cushion but saw it whittled away by the charging Zheng and playing partner Tabuena.

"Ah, it was tough one," Sarit admitted after a round that featured five birdies and two bogeys.

"I mean, I didn't hit my driver as good as the first two days, and the pins were a little bit tougher. I'll say overall solid, but not as good as I want."

Lurking one stroke behind the leading trio is Japan's Yosuke Asaji, who was level par for his round at the turn but blitzed the back nine with seven birdies in a 65 that took him to 16-under par.

South Africa's Dean Burmester (65) and Japan's Kazuki Higa (68) are two strokes further back in a tie for fifth at 14-under par.

The major winners playing this week in the most prestigious tournament ever staged in the Philippines failed to make a third-round impact.

The 2018 Masters champion Patrick Reed had a 71 that took him to nine-under, one ahead of fellow American and two-time major winner Dustin Johnson, who shot 68.

Charl Schwartzel, the 2011 US Masters champion from South Africa, carded a three-under 69 to get to 10-under.

Players who sign with LIV Golf beginning in 2026 will have increased responsibilities beyond the league's 14 annual events.

Newly contracted players will also be expected to play a minimum of two International Series events on the Asian Tour, according to a report by Flushing It.

While many players already compete in multiple Asian Tour events on their own, the new requirement further strengthens the partnership between LIV Golf and the International Series.

LIV's indemnity policy that covers fines imposed on its players by the DP World Tour expires at the end of 2025, which could lead to more players competing on the Asian Tour. The International Series also affords the critical opportunity for LIV players to earn Official World Golf Ranking points.

The International Series is a slate of events that offers a pathway to promotion to LIV.

The sixth of nine 2026 tournament begins in the Philippines on Thursday, and features a $2 million prize fund along with a field that includes 15 LIV players.

Among them are Dustin Johnson, Patrick Reed, Charl Schwartzel and Louis Oosthuizen.

At least six LIV Golf roster spots remain open for the 2026 season.

While many of them are expected to be filled by re-signing players on expiring contracts, Cleeks captain Martin Kaymer said earlier this month that he has heard from several DP World Tour players who are interested in making the move to the Saudi-backed league.

LIV Golf's fifth season is scheduled to begin 5-7 February, 2026 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Veteran Angelo Que said Wednesday that the high quality of the field for this week's Asian Tour event made it "like a major" for him and his fellow Filipino golfers.

Former Masters champions Patrick Reed, Dustin Johnson and Charl Schwartzel, plus 2010 British Open winner Louis Oosthuizen, lead the most prestigious line-up ever assembled for a golf tournament in the Philippines.

Que, a 46-year-old three-time winner on the Asian Tour, said he was honoured to be teeing up alongside golfing royalty in the inaugural International Series Philippines, beginning Thursday.

The tournament is one of nine enhanced events of the Asian Tour this season that carry a $2 million prize fund, far bigger than regular Asian Tour events.

"The International Series is on a different level when it comes to competition," Que told reporters at Sta. Elena Golf Club, south of Manila.

"The level of play with these players are so different. It's just another event for them. But to us, yes, it is somewhat like a major."

Johnson, a former world No 1, is impressed with the entry list.

"It's my first time playing in the Philippines," he said.

"The field is really good, a lot of great players, major winners, quality golfers.

"Hopefully this becomes something bigger in the future."

Reed has played all over the world and is a regular visitor to Asia, where he will defend his Hong Kong Open title next week.

Despite being one of golf's most global travellers he is happy to still find fresh frontiers to conquer.

"It's awesome to find new venues and new places, especially in this part of the world," Reed said.

"I'm excited to be here in the Philippines for my first time and hopefully in the future we'll see even more new venues helping expand the game."

Miguel Tabuena, currently in the top 25 of the Asian Tour order of merit, is playing on his home course this week.

"I'd be lying if I said there's no added pressure, there is," said Tabuena.

"But you have to treat it like any other event and not let the pressure break you. Of course there's pressure. You can't avoid it. You have to face it head-on and just let it happen.

"This is where I grew up playing. I'm very proud that Sta. Elena is actually hosting this event.

"It's the biggest event that we've ever had in the Philippines."