On September 22nd, 2025, we cover Stacy Lewis's emotional retirement announcement, John VanDerLaan's long-awaited first victory, and the future challenges facing the Ryder Cup and the golf industry.
LPGA TOUR
- Stacy Lewis announces her retirement at the end of the year, citing a six-year battle with a rib cage injury that has taken a severe physical toll. The announcement came at the poetic location of her first amateur win.
- "I physically can't do it anymore."
- Lewis's announcement at the NW Arkansas Championship brings her incredible career full circle, ending where one of her first major victories began.
KORN FERRY TOUR
- After 141 starts, John VanDerLaan finally broke through for his first Korn Ferry Tour victory, showing incredible mental toughness with a crucial bounce-back birdie on Sunday after a costly double bogey threatened his chances.
- He "called his shot" to his wife before the week began, predicting his victory.
- The win is a testament to perseverance, a career-changing moment for a journeyman pro who refused to give up on his dream.
RYDER CUP
- European Captain Luke Donald is already setting the stage for the next Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black, acknowledging the immense challenge of winning on US soil and the unique intensity of the New York crowd.
- Donald noted that winning in New York "is a different animal."
- The challenge echoes Tony Jacklin's historic 1987 European team, which was the first to ever win on American soil, setting a precedent for the modern rivalry.
GOLF BUSINESS
- A new venture from former Topgolf executives, Blue Jeans Golf, aims to create a more accessible pathway to the traditional game with its "Golf Ranch" concept, designed for players not yet ready for a full 18 holes.
- Founder Devin Charhon says the goal is to ease the "big and intimidating" jump from entertainment golf to the course.
- This concept directly addresses the golf industry's biggest challenge: converting the millions of off-course participants into on-course players.
Quick Hits
Lewis's back rotation issues • VanDerLaan's clutch 12th hole birdie • Bethpage Black's Ryder Cup challenge
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