Ivana Miteva

How to Organise Competitions Using the VPAR App

Posted on June 2, 2026June 2, 2026 by Ivana Miteva

If you’ve ever run a golf day or been on a golf trip, you’ll know how competitive it gets. Everyone wants to win, but you also want to create an event that’s fun, engaging, and feels professionally organised.

That’s where the VPAR App comes in.

Using VPAR to score your round, follow live leaderboards, and track player stats can elevate the entire golfing experience. Our award-winning technology helps give any amateur event a professional feel, whether you’re running a multi-round tournament, multiple tee-times, or a team matchplay event.

Bring Every Round Together

Multi tee-time and multi-round tournaments are a VPAR Premium feature designed to bring every round together and make playing with friends even more competitive. Compete with your friends across multiple rounds, follow the leaderboard as it updates live, and see who lifts the trophy at the end.

Setting it up is easy. Create the tournament in the app, add your friends, and let VPAR handle the rest. It keeps everyone involved, adds friendly rivalry, and makes every round more exciting.

Follow Matchplay Live

VPAR also allows you to create live Matchplay Leaderboards, so you can follow every match as it happens. Whether it’s Europe versus USA, The Swingers versus The Hackers, or your own group of friends, matchplay becomes even more thrilling when you can see every hole and every score unfold live.

Why is Matchplay on VPAR so engaging?

– Live updates so you always know where you stand

– Custom team names and colours to personalise your game

– The energy of Ryder Cup-style competition in every match

– Knowing if you have a putt to win it on the final hole

Our Matchplay feature makes every match more social, more fun, and turns ordinary rounds into events that everyone remembers. Matchplay Leaderboards are a VPAR Premium feature, along with access to all our other Premium features and an ad-free experience.

Download the VPAR App today and sign up to VPAR Premium to enhance your golfing experience.

Will Buttleman is VPAR’s Social Media and Events Manager.

A former professional cricketer, Will played for Essex County Cricket Club from 2018 to 2023 before joining the VPAR team in 2024. During his cricket career, he competed in First Class, List A, and T20 matches, contributing to the club’s recent successes.
Now, Will’s focus has shifted to golf. He plays off a VPAR Handicap of 4.5 and is aiming to reach scratch in the near future. His favourite course is Poppy Hills, a hidden gem just above Pebble Beach, and his top venue to work at is Waterville Golf Links in County Kerry, Ireland.
Whether you’re seeking top golfing destinations, a fresh perspective on the ever-changing professional game, or betting tips for major events, Will offers valuable insights. For him, golf is more than just a sport – it’s a lifestyle, and he loves sharing that passion with the VPAR community.

What is the Difference Between the PGA Championship and the U.S. Open?

Posted on May 21, 2026May 21, 2026 by Ivana Miteva

The PGA Championship and the U.S. Open are both major championships in golf, but they are known for very different styles, course setups, and atmospheres.

1. The U.S. Open is known for being much tougher

The U.S. Open is widely seen as the hardest major championship in golf. The USGA sets courses up to test every part of a player’s game with:

– Narrow fairways

– Thick rough

– Fast greens

– Difficult pin placements

It’s often more about surviving than scoring.

The PGA Championship is usually set up very differently. The PGA of America tends to favour a style that rewards aggressive golf and lower scores. Players are given more chances to attack pins, make birdies, and go on scoring runs, which often creates a more entertaining style of golf for fans.

2. The qualification process is much different

One of the most unique things about the U.S. Open is that it truly is open.

Professionals and amateurs can both try to qualify through local and sectional qualifying tournaments, if they have a low enough handicap. This regularly creates Cinderella stories and gives lesser-known golfers a chance to compete against the world’s best.

The PGA Championship is far more exclusive. Its field is mainly made up of top-ranked players in the world, past champions, major winners and PGA of America club professionals. Only around 20 PGA club professionals usually make the field each year.

3. The courses are a completely different style

The U.S. Open often returns to traditional championship venues that are designed to expose weaknesses in every area of a golfer’s game.

Some of the most famous examples include:

– Oakmont Country Club

– Shinnecock Hills Golf Club

– Winged Foot Golf Club

– Pinehurst No. 2

These courses are known for being narrow, strategic, and punishing.

The PGA Championship usually leans toward modern venues built to handle massive crowds and long-hitting players.

Examples include:

– Whistling Straits

– Kiawah Island Golf Resort

– Valhalla Golf Club

– Quail Hollow Club

4. The PGA Championship often rewards power more

In recent years, the PGA Championship has generally favoured long hitters and aggressive scorers. Longer courses, softer conditions, and receptive greens allow elite players to attack flags and overpower layouts.

The U.S. Open demands something different. Success usually comes down to accuracy, patience, mental toughness and scrambling ability.

5. The atmosphere feels completely different

The U.S. Open has a reputation for tradition, discipline, and toughness. Many players see it as golf’s ultimate test.

The PGA Championship has gradually become a more modern and fan-friendly major with louder crowds, more birdies, more entertainment value and easier viewing for spectators. It also tends to produce dramatic Sunday shootouts more often than the grinding finishes associated with the U.S. Open.

Winning scores over the last 10 years

Year

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

2025

2026

U.S. Open

-16

-13

-6

-10

-6

-1

PGA

-8

-16

-8

-13

-6

-5

-9

-21

-11

-9

Will Buttleman is VPAR’s Social Media and Events Manager.

PGA Tour Money List: The Top 10 Earners of All Time

Posted on May 11, 2026 by Ivana Miteva

The arrival of LIV Golf helped accelerate the PGA Tour’s increase in prize money, with modern events now offering record-breaking purses. The introduction of ‘signature’ events sees players competing for higher stakes, many events upwards of $20 million. Here is a rundown of the top 10 PGA Tour earners of all time.

10. Vijay Singh – $71,312,738

During a remarkable stretch in his 40s, Vijay earned the bulk of his fortune and was considered one of the game’s most dominant players. He finished his career with three major victories, 34 wins, alongside a FedEx cup title. Vijay will be remembered by some as one of Tigers biggest rivals during the early 2000s.

9. Jim Furyk – $71,507,269

A player not known for his overpowering distance, rather his consistency on the tour, Jim’s longevity and steady top 10 finishes (188) turned him into one of the richest golfers in PGA Tour history. He still claimed a US Open Championship and 17 wins, while also recording the lowest round in PGA tour history (58).

8. Justin Thomas – $72,085,305

JT has been one of the biggest beneficiaries of golf’s soaring prize funds in recent years. Accumulating multiple major championships, FedEx Cup success and solid performances in elevated events has helped him break into the top 10 before the age of 35.

7. Adam Scott – $72,741,635

Known for his aesthetically silky swing, the Australian superstar has enjoyed one of the most durable careers in modern golf. The 2013 Masters champion has remained a steady force on the PGA circuit for almost two decades.

6. Dustin Johnson – $75,816,566

The combination of DJ’s incredible length off the tee and a short game that is often overlooked, made him a money machine during the modern purse era. His on-course success took him to world no.1 for 64 weeks, while managing to claim a win in 13 consecutive seasons.

5. Justin Rose – $77,130,503

It is well documented that Justin has invested heavily to extend his career as far as it will take him. That longevity has placed him 5^th on the list of all time earners. Known for his precision and consistency, Rosey has become one of the most reliable golfers of his generation. Interestingly, Rose missed 21 consecutive cuts turning professional after the 1998 Open Championship. He is also one of the few golfers to add an Olympic gold medal to his CV.

4. Phil Mickelson – $96,727,968

Despite leaving the tour to join LIV, the short game king remains one of the highest earners in history. He won his first PGA Tour event in 1991 while still having amateur status at Arizona State University. Similar to Justin Rose, Mickelson’s longevity has been extraordinary. He became the oldest major champion ever at the age of 50 in 2021. 45 wins next to 6 major championships places him just outside the top three.

3. Scottie Scheffler – $110,019,566

No golfer in history has accumulated money faster than Mr. Scheffler. His current earnings trajectory suggests that he will challenge Tiger for the all-time lead. Scottie passed the $100 million mark thanks to the new signature events, despite possessing one of the most unconventional swings in modern golf.

2. Rory McIlroy – $114,938,741

After turning pro in 2007, the Northern Irish star has maintained elite form for more than 15 years, from the Tiger Woods era to the Scottie Scheffler generation. McIlroy claimed his first PGA Tour victory at Quail Hollow in 2010, the beginning of what would become one of golf’s greatest modern careers. One of six golfers to complete the career grand slam, a significant portion of Rory’s earnings has come through his record-breaking FedEx Cup success (~$62 million).

1. Tiger Woods – $120,999,166

Tiger Woods remains the benchmark for PGA Tour earnings with his huge total of official prize money. Just as Tiger couldn’t seem more impressive, it is astonishing to learn he earned the majority of his winnings before golf’s purse explosion. His CV speaks for itself, 15 major wins and 82 tour wins (tied all-time record). Over a 10-year period from 1999 to 2009, Woods produced arguably the most dominant stretch in sports history. Studies suggest players paired with him scored worse on average due to his presence alone.

Honourable mentions:

Jordan Spieth – $68,194,226

Jason Day – $66,665,117

There we have it, the top 10 all-time money earners on the PGA Tour. This list highlights not only the greatest golfers in history, but also how dramatically the sport has evolved financially. Earnings alone do not define greatness, the players on this list combined elite talent, longevity, consistency, and the ability to perform under pressure on golf’s biggest stages. With tournament purses continuing to rise, today’s stars may eventually rewrite the record books, but Tiger’s impact on both the PGA Tour remains the standard against which every generation is measured.

Will Buttleman is VPAR’s Social Media and Events Manager.

Masters Winners the Last 30 Years

Posted on April 9, 2026April 9, 2026 by Ivana Miteva

Every April, the Masters at Augusta National brings together the best golf players to compete for one of the most prestigious titles. Year after year players deliver unforgettable moments and leave a lasting mark on the game’s history. Take a look at the iconic winners who helped define the Masters as we know it today.

Year	Winner	Score	Runner-Up(s)
2025	Rory McIlroy	-11	Justin Rose (lost in playoff)
2024	Scottie Scheffler	-11	Ludvig Åberg
2023	Jon Rahm	-12	Brooks Koepka, Phil Mickelson
2022	Scottie Scheffler	-10	Rory McIlroy
2021	Hideki Matsuyama	-10	Will Zalatoris
2020	Dustin Johnson	-20	Cameron Smith & Sungjae Im
2019	Tiger Woods	-13	Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka & Xander Schauffele
2018	Patrick Reed	-15	Rickie Fowler
2017	Sergio García	-9	Justin Rose (playoff)
2016	Danny Willett	-5	Jordan Spieth & Lee Westwood
2015	Jordan Spieth	-18	Phil Mickelson & Justin Rose
2014	Bubba Watson	-8	Jonas Blixt & Jordan Spieth
2013	Adam Scott	-9	Ángel Cabrera (playoff)
2012	Bubba Watson	-10	Louis Oosthuizen (playoff)
2011	Charl Schwartzel	-14	Jason Day & Adam Scott
2010	Phil Mickelson	-16	Lee Westwood
2009	Ángel Cabrera	-12	Chad Campbell & Kenny Perry (playoff)
2008	Trevor Immelman	-8	Tiger Woods
2007	Zach Johnson	+1	Retief Goosen, Rory Sabbatini & Tiger Woods
2006	Phil Mickelson	-7	Tim Clark
2005	Tiger Woods	-12	Chris DiMarco (playoff)
2004	Phil Mickelson	-9	Ernie Els
2003	Mike Weir	-7	Len Mattiace (playoff)
2002	Tiger Woods	-12	Retief Goosen
2001	Tiger Woods	-16	David Duval
2000	Vijay Singh	-10	Ernie Els
1999	José María Olazábal	-8	Davis Love III
1998	Mark O’Meara	-9	Fred Couples & David Duval
1997	Tiger Woods	-18	Tom Kite
1996	Nick Faldo	-12	Greg Norman

Will Buttleman is VPAR’s Social Media and Events Manager.

The Masters Q&A: Here are 20 Facts You Probably Didn’t Know

Posted on March 25, 2026March 27, 2026 by Ivana Miteva

The Masters is just around the corner! Check out this Q&A for some fun facts and history about the iconic tournament at Augusta National Golf Club.

1. When was the first Masters tournament?

In 1934.

2. Who founded The Masters?

Bobby Jones and investment banker Clifford Roberts.

3. Why wasn’t it always called ‘The Masters’?

It was originally the Augusta National Invitation Tournament.

4. Who holds the record for the most Masters victories?

Jack Nicklaus – 6 wins.

5. What’s the course record?

63 (-9) shot by Nick Price and Greg Norman.

6. Why is it a green jacket?

It signifies membership at Augusta National Golf Club.

7. What’s the rule about taking the Green Jacket home?

The Green Jacket can leave Augusta National only in the possession of the reigning champion, and only for one year before being returned.

8. After the cut, what if there’s an odd number of players?

A marker, usually a high-level amateur and member of Augusta National Golf Club, steps in so groups stay as pairs.

9. Who is the youngest winner in history?

Tiger Woods (21 years old, 1997).

10. Who is the oldest winner in history?

Jack Nicklaus (46 years old in 1986).

11. What is the worst round ever at The Masters?

95 (23 over) shot by amateur Charles Kunkle Jr. in the 1956 final round.

12. During Masters tournaments, how many players have made a hole in one on the 12th hole?

3 players.

13. Which hole is the toughest at The Masters?

The 11^th hole at Augusta National has a historical scoring average of +0.304 over par, making it the hardest.

14. How many members does Augusta National have?

Around 300.

15. Has anyone ever won The Masters back-to-back?

Yes, 3 players – Tiger Woods (2001,2002), Nick Faldo (1989,1990), and Jack Nicklaus (1965,1966).

16. What’s the Champions Dinner?

A private dinner hosted by the reigning champion, who selects the menu bringing together past winners of The Masters.

17. What’s the most famous sandwich at Augusta National?

The pimento cheese sandwich.

18. Who has the most runner-up finishes?

Jack Nicklaus, Ben Hogan & Tom Weiskopf – 4 each.

19. Why are phones banned?

To keep the tournament traditional and distraction-free.

20. What’s the highest score ever recorded on a single hole in competition?

Highest score ever recorded is 13 (and it was achieved three times).
Sergio García on the 15^thhole in 2018.
Tom Weiskopf on the 12^thhole in 1980.
Tommy Nakajima on the 13^thhole in 1978.

Will Buttleman is VPAR’s Social Media and Events Manager.

How to Choose the Right Shaft Flex

Posted on March 16, 2026March 16, 2026 by Ivana Miteva

Shaft flex is just how much the golf club shaft bends when you swing.

When you swing a golf club, the shaft bends slightly during the swing.

A soft shaft bends more.
A stiff shaft bends less.

That bending helps create speed and power when the club hits the ball. If the shaft flex matches your swing, the club releases at the right moment, giving you a better outcome.

The 5 Types of Shaft Flex

Most golf clubs come with five basic flex options.

Ladies (L)
Softest shaft
Made for very slow swing speeds

Senior / Amateur (A)
Slightly firmer than Ladies
Good for slow to moderate swings

Regular (R)
The most common flex
Best for average golfers

Stiff (S)
For faster swings
Gives more control

Extra Stiff (X)
For very fast and powerful swings
Usually used by advanced players

A Simple Way to Choose Your Flex

A quick way to estimate your flex is based on driver swing speed.

Under 60 mph – Ladies

60–75 mph – Senior

75–90 mph – Regular

90–105 mph – Stiff

105+ mph – Extra Stiff

If you don’t know your swing speed, most golf simulators or club fittings can measure it.

Signs Your Shaft Flex Is Wrong

If your shaft is too soft, you might notice:
Shots going too high.
The ball hooking left.
Less control.

If your shaft is too stiff, you might notice:
Shots going too low.
The ball slicing right.
Losing distance.

Choosing the right shaft flex doesn’t have to be complicated.

Just remember:

Shaft flex is how much the club bends during your swing.

Softer shafts help slower swings.

Stiffer shafts help faster swings.

When the flex matches your swing, you’ll gain more distance, straighter shots, and a more comfortable feel.

Will Buttleman is VPAR’s Social Media and Events Manager.

Best Drivers for Beginners in 2026

Posted on March 9, 2026March 9, 2026 by Ivana Miteva

Choosing your first driver can be a tough decision. There are dozens of models, different technologies, and a wide range of prices.

Beginner drivers usually focus on two key things:

Forgiveness – helps you hit straighter shots even on mishits.
Easy launch – helps get the ball in the air more easily.

Modern beginner drivers are designed with large sweet spots and high MOI (moment of inertia) so off-centre hits still go far and stay relatively straight.

Here are four options:

Ping G430 Max 10K

Why beginners like it:

Extremely forgiving on off-centre hits.
High launch that helps beginners get the ball airborne.
Large clubhead gives confidence at address.

The driver is designed with a very high MOI, meaning the head stays stable even when you don’t hit the centre of the face. This helps keep shots straighter and more consistent.

TaylorMade Qi10 Max

Why it’s beginner-friendly:

Carbon face helps increase ball speed.
High forgiveness across the face.
Stable design for straighter drives.

The Qi10 Max was engineered with a focus on high MOI and stability, helping golfers maintain distance even when contact isn’t perfect.

Callaway Paradym AI Smoke Max D

Why it’s great for beginners:

Draw-biased design helps reduce slices.
High forgiveness on off-centre hits.
Large sweet spot from AI Smart Face technology.
High MOI design for better stability.
Easy launch for higher, longer drives.

This driver is ideal for beginners because it helps fix slices, improves forgiveness, and makes it easier to hit longer, straighter drives.

PXG Lightning Max 10K+ – Most Forgiving Driver

Why it’s great for beginners:

Extremely high forgiveness.
Large sweet spot.
Straight ball flight.
High MOI design for stability.

The PXG Lightning Max 10K+ is built with a very high MOI, meaning the club resists twisting and keeps shots straighter even on bad hits.

Will Buttleman is VPAR’s Social Media and Events Manager.

VPAR Feature Blog: Share Scorecard

Posted on February 4, 2026February 4, 2026 by Ivana Miteva

On the VPAR App, the Share Scorecard feature allows you to share your round with friends on WhatsApp, Messages, and all your favourite social platforms once you’ve finished playing.

The scorecard is designed in PGA Tour style. It shows your birdies, bogeys, pars, eagles, and more, very clearly. You can also add a photo from your round. It’s automatically fitted into the background of the scorecard for a personalised touch.

Whether you’ve had a great round, beaten a friend, or just want to keep a record of your progress, the Share Scorecard feature makes it easy to highlight the key moments of your golf game. It’s a visually engaging way to showcase your scores, archive your best round over time, and share your golf experience with others.

Ready to create your own Share Scorecard? It’s quick and simple. Follow the steps below to select your round, add your photo, and share your scorecard directly with friends or on social media right from the VPAR App.

Will Buttleman is VPAR’s Social Media and Events Manager.

Early 2026 Golf Major Predictions

Posted on January 9, 2026January 12, 2026 by Ivana Miteva

The Masters

Location: Augusta National

Winner: Rory McIlroy

After conquering Augusta at last in 2025, Rory McIlroy heads back as a Masters champion. With a different locker room and a completely different mindset, Rory will be looking to go back-to-back. He is playing with no pressure on his shoulders. And a free Rory is dangerous, especially at Augusta, a place that brought him so much disappointment for years.

I expect a Rory vs Scottie Scheffler showdown. And I think Rory will come out on top.

Watch out for: Xander Schauffele

After an injury driven 2025 season, the two-time major champion will be looking to move one step closer to completing the career Grand Slam. His record at Augusta speaks for itself. He had five top ten finishes in his last seven Masters appearances.

Schauffele is a proven high-pressure performer. And he is someone to watch early in the season as we see where his game stands following a long offseason focused on recovery from his 2025 setbacks.

PGA Championship

Location: Aronimink Golf Club

Winner: Bryson DeChambeau

Bryson DeChambeau’s last five PGA Championship finishes are T4, T38, T4, 2nd, and T2. The LIV Golf and YouTube star clearly loves the PGA Championship. His power combined with his unique approach to course management could be a major advantage at Aronimink.

The course setup is expected to feature thick, lush May rough, something Bryson has the strength to power his way out of. The rough will be extremely difficult, and officials will hope to have the course playing hard and fast if the weather cooperates.

If Bryson can get the Philly crowd behind him while in contention on Sunday, I believe he will be a force to be reckoned with.

Watch out for: Marco Penge

This is a bold call, but Penge has serious power in his game. Length and power are key traits for competing in PGA Championships. Not many players possess more of it than the up-and-coming PGA Tour recruit Marco Penge.

I think we could see him near the top of the leaderboard heading into the final round. Although, he may fade slightly due to his lack of experience in major championships. Still, he unquestionably has the game to compete against the strongest fields in the world.

U.S Open

Location: Shinnecock Hills Golf Club

Winner: Scottie Scheffler

Will Scottie Scheffler complete the Grand Slam at Shinnecock Hills? I absolutely think he will, and I do not believe there is a U.S Open course better suited to his game. He is a generational talent and a relentless competitor. Perfectly built for the demands of Shinnecock Hills.

Watch out for: Brooks Koepka

Koepka won the 2018 U.S Open at Shinnecock Hills with a final score of plus one. He is a grinder and a big game player, and following his recent departure from LIV Golf, I believe he will be refreshed and motivated to compete again in major championships.

Whether he returns through the DP World Tour or the PGA Tour, assuming his eligibility can be resolved, it is something to watch closely. A well prepared and under the radar Koepka is a threat in any field. With both Koepka and Rory McIlroy sitting on five major championships, it will be interesting to see who lands the next blow as they enter the next stage of their careers.

A tough and windy course brings out the best iron players in the world, and when Brooks’ game is in the right place, he is one of them. He hunts major championships.

The Open Championship

Location: Royal Birkdale Golf Club

Winner: Tommy Fleetwood

A hometown hero story? You would love to see it. Tommy Fleetwood grew up in the Southport area. And naturally, a home Open Championship arriving at the peak of his career feels like the perfect recipe for success. I am hopeful the stars will align.

Royal Birkdale is far more than just another venue for Fleetwood. It is an area where his dreams of being a golfer started and a place he knows out of the back of his hand.

It is a huge year for Tommy after winning the FedEx Cup in 2025, and the next missing piece in his trophy cabinet is a major championship. If everything comes together, Birkdale could be the perfect fairy tale.

Watch out for: Jordan Spieth

Known as a links master, Jordan Spieth won at Royal Birkdale in 2017 in spectacular fashion, hitting one of the most famous recovery shots in Open Championship history on the 13th hole after a wild drive. His game is one to watch this season.

Spieth has struggled with consistency in the past years. But there is hope for another spike in form. At 32 years old, many would say he should be entering a golden age for pro golfers. And playing on the English coast could bring back some of those unforgettable memories that made him a Champion Golfer of the Year in 2017.

Will Buttleman is VPAR’s Social Media and Events Manager.

5 Breakout Players to Watch in the 2026 Pro Golf Season

Posted on December 16, 2025December 16, 2025 by Ivana Miteva

Josele Ballester

After leaving college and moving to LIV Golf, Josele Ballester has learned a lot from his experienced teammates on the Fireballs. That exposure to elite preparation, travel, and week to week professionalism is already paying off. He recorded his first professional win at Riyadh Golf Club at the Saudi International in November in a very competitive field. And that felt like a statement rather than a surprise.

I think he has the potential to win multiple times on the LIV Golf circuit. And possibly a big event on the Asian Tour as well. He reminds me a lot of a young Jon Rahm. I am very interested to see if he can qualify for the majors and put in a big performance on one of golf’s biggest stages to really show how good he is.

Mimi Rhodes

Mimi Rhodes is a rising star in women’s golf. She keeps proving it every time she tees it up. Last season on the Ladies European Tour she picked up multiple wins and showed incredible consistency throughout the year. Winning that often at that level builds belief, and belief is everything when you step onto bigger stages. I think 2026 is the year she breaks through on the LPGA Tour and starts contending in majors.

Her game is built for pressure, her short game is reliable, and she looks completely comfortable when she is in the hunt. Do not be surprised if this is the season where Mimi Rhodes becomes a name everyone in women’s golf knows.

Jackson Koivun

The star of the future. Coming out of Auburn University, Jackson Koivun has put together a flawless amateur resume. And he is only just getting started. Even though the 20-year-old is still an amateur, we will see him around PGA Tour events next season.

I believe he will go one step further and win on the PGA Tour as an amateur. He does not appear to have a weakness in his game. And more importantly he is not afraid of winning.

He impressed in front of the cameras at the Walker Cup at Cypress Point and has already produced some excellent finishes on the PGA Tour. Making seven cuts from nine starts with two top 5 finishes as an amateur is no joke. It is going to be an exciting year following Koivun’s development, and like Ballester, I would not be shocked if we are watching him at Adare Manor at the Ryder Cup in 2027.

Marco Penge

Marco Penge made a real name for himself this year on the DP World Tour, going toe to toe with Rory McIlroy in the Race to Dubai and catching everyone’s attention with his distance off the tee. He is a pure athlete, and he is box office to watch.

What excites me most about Penge heading into this season is how well his game should translate to PGA Tour courses. His length can overpower some of the more open setups the PGA Tour stops at, and those venues have always suited the longest hitters in the game.

It will be fascinating to see how he handles the extra competition and the increased spotlight when he moves across to the USA. This feels like the perfect steppingstone for him to take his game to another level. It’s something he has consistently done over the last two years.

He has already qualified for the first major of the year at The Masters, a course that has recently rewarded elite drivers of the golf ball. This has the potential to be a huge year for Penge. I cannot wait to watch it unfold.

Rasmus Neergard-Petersen

Neergaard-Petersen is another player, like Marco Penge, who is making the move to the USA to play on the PGA Tour after qualifying through the DP World Tour rankings. He recently picked up his first DP World Tour win at the Australian Open at Royal Melbourne, doing it in windy and firm conditions in front of big crowds, which tells you a lot about him as a competitor.

He also finished T3 at the DP World Tour Championship, further proving that his game stands up when the stakes are highest. His swing is effortless and repeatable, and his ball striking separates him from most of the fields he plays in.

He is at his best when golf courses demand precision and patience rather than pure scoring, which immediately makes me think about major championship setups. I can see him competing on extremely tough courses where iron play is a key factor, especially in the first three majors of the year at Augusta National, Aronimink, and Shinnecock Hills.

I would not be surprised at all if we see him inside the top 10 at a major this season, or even one or two shots off the lead heading into the final round. If he can take a step forward with his overall putting, he has all the tools to be a serious threat on the PGA Tour and to quickly make a name for himself in the USA.

Will Buttleman is VPAR’s Social Media and Events Manager.