🏌🏻 It's Official!

Good morning. We finally have the official statement from Rahm in an interview to Fox News that he is joining LIV Golf. More on that and why he had a change of heart from strongly opposing the move earlier.

That’s the big story of the day with an exclusive interview with Feherty on why he chose LIV Golf.

As we enjoy the morning's calm, let’s delve into what's new and exciting in the golfing arena today!

ALBATROS
It’s Official: Jon Rahm Joins LIV Golf

Two-time major champion Jon Rahm, one of the biggest stars on the PGA Tour and arguably the best golfer in the world, has become the league's latest -- and most significant -- defection to LIV Golf.

"I have officially joined LIV Golf," Rahm announced Thursday night on Fox News. "It's not an easy decision because I've had a really successful career and I've been really happy. But there's a lot of things that LIV Golf has to offer that were very, very enticing, starting with team golf.”

"It was a great offer. The money is great. Obviously, it's wonderful," he explained. "But what I said before is true: I do not play golf for the money. I play golf for the love of the game and for the love of golf. But as a husband, as a father and as a family man, I have a duty to my family to give them the best opportunities and the most amount of resources possible. And that's where that comes in. Obviously, it is a factor, and it was an important one, obviously, in this decision."

What does it mean for the PGA Tour, LIV Golf and the PGA Tour-PIF Deal? Read the full article here.

Something Changed In Rahm’s Heart

The former world No. 1 had previously been critical of those who jumped from the PGA Tour to LIV. Rahm said in June 2022 that he didn’t think playing 54 holes was a golf tournament and was more concerned about the history of the PGA Tour and its legacy.

He reportedly said:

"Yeah, money is great… Would our lifestyle change if I got $400 million? No. It would not change one bit," he said at the time. "Truth be told, I could retire right now with what I made and I’d live a very happy life and not play golf again. I’ve never really played the game of golf for monetary reasons. I play for the love of the game and I want to play against the best in the world.

My heart is with the PGA Tour."

Feherty Exclusive: Why Jon Rahm joined LIV Golf

TWEET
Worth Mentioning

EAGLE
Golf Ball Rollback Saga Rolls On

The golf ball rollback proposal, announced Wednesday by the USGA and R&A, has sparked plenty of conversation in the golf community.

Here are some voices for and against from around the golfing world:

Titleist: "As we consider today’s R&A and USGA announcement against recent feedback provided by the World Alliance of PGA’s and the PGA TOUR, we are also concerned that the golf ball rollback overly impacts golfers and does not fully reflect the input of those closest to the game," a statement from CEO David Maher began.

Annika Sorenstam: "I'm a fan of the R&A and USGA and we have to look after the game and obviously the future and what's good for the game," the 53-year-old told Sirius XM PGA Tour Radio. “But the game is not the same for amateurs and professionals so if we are talking about sustainability and running out of land, well I haven't heard an amateur ever say 'Oh, this course was really short'."

USGA Chief Mike Whan: "We didn’t do this to put a blanket on distance forever – if you're a long player, you're still going to be a long player, if you want to pursue distance as an advantage as a player you're going to be able to do that and be longer than others. We're just trying to slow the pace of that growth."

College Golf Coaches: Here’s what college golf coaches are saying about the universal golf ball rollback.

LOCKER ROOM
What else is making news

Scheffler’s putter: Inside the mind of Logan Olson, designer of Scottie Scheffler’s new putter.

LPGA card: Laetitia Beck, Israel's first touring pro, earns LPGA card for first time in five years.

Koepka vs Wolff: After months of criticizing teammate Matthew Wolff, Koepka’s Smash GC team traded Wolff to the RangeGoats in exchange for reigning LIV individual champion Talor Gooch. The move ends a months-long drama between Koepka and Wolff, which began this summer when Koepka ripped into Wolff and called him a “wasted” talent.

Rory on Jon: Rory McIlroy wants to see the rules for the Ryder Cup rewritten to allow Jon Rahm the chance to compete at the 2025 Ryder Cup following the Spaniard's LIV Golf move.

Next Tiger Woods: After his Sea Island Golf Course victory, PGA Tour golfers are reportedly worried Ludvig Aberg may be the 'next Tiger Woods'. Media at the competition overheard several PGA stars discussing Aberg's prowess.

Today’s Tournament: 2023 Grant Thornton Invitational: How to watch, TV schedule, streaming, tee times.

BIRDIE
How PGA Tour Driving Distance Has Increased Through The Years

The PGA Tour’s driving distance records date back to 1987. At that time, the average for the season was 262 yards, with John McComish leading the way with an average of 283.9 yards.

In the 35 years since, driving distance averages have gradually crept up although, by 1993, the overall average had reduced to 259.8 yards even with the efforts of John Daly, who topped the list with an average of 288.9 yards.

By the end of the 2020 season, Bryson DeChambeau topped the list as the average reached 296.4 yards and today, the average driving distance on the PGA Tour stands a hair short of 300 yards at 299.9, with McIlroy once again on top with a gigantic 326.3 average. An honorable mention to rookie Ludvig Aberg, too, for his 317.1 yards.

Read the full article here.

DRIVING RANGE
Winter Golf Practice Plan | 3 Best In Home Drills

For those looking to stay sharp during the winter season, this video is for you. Clay Ballard has the golf swing and your total game broken down to the 5 most important keys in our Top Speed Golf System. He'll cover drills you can do in your living room, while improving key fundamentals.

PAR FOR THE COURSE
The 19th Hole

🛒 Deal of the day: Callaway 300 Pro Laser Rangefinder

📖 This day in history: Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus merged their talents as a team for the first time at PGA National Golf Club in the former PGA National Four-Ball Championship, December 8, 1965, an unofficial PGA TOUR event at the time. The dynamic duo tied for seventh place, finishing seven strokes behind the winning twosome of Gay Brewer and Butch Beard, who had a sizzling 62 in the final round.