This May 28th, 2025 episode covers Rory McIlroy's Memorial Tournament withdrawal and Jack Nicklaus's reaction, Michael La Sasso's NCAA victory, a U.S. Women's Open preview, and updates on Scheffler, Hovland, and Liv Golf.
RORY & THE BEAR: MEMORIAL, MEDIA & MUSINGS
- Marquee storyline: Rory McIlroy's Memorial skip drew Jack Nicklaus's surprise. McIlroy urged golf to "get over it," while Nicklaus also voiced strong opinions on course design and the composite ball.
- Supporting stat or quote: Nicklaus on McIlroy's absence: "I didn't have a conversation with him... I was just a little surprised, yes."
- Human angle or fun fact: McIlroy's pre-PGA driver failed a USGA conformance test, and he's on June's Golf Digest cover: "FOREVER RORY A Rare Look at a Career Grand Slam."
NCAA CHAMPIONSHIP BREAKOUTS
- Marquee storyline: Ole Miss's Michael La Sasso captured the NCAA Men's Individual title, earning U.S. Open and 2026 Masters spots, while FSU's Luke Clanton turned pro after securing his PGA Tour card.
- Supporting stat or quote: La Sasso on his win: "being able to bounce back from that is something truly special."
- Human angle or fun fact: UCLA's Pablo Ereno also advanced, earning Korn Ferry Tour membership by finishing T6.
U.S. WOMEN'S OPEN AT ERIN HILLS
- Marquee storyline: Nelly Korda calls Erin Hills "the biggest test in the game of golf" as Yuka Saso defends her title, with Amari Avery making her highly anticipated professional debut at the major.
- Supporting stat or quote: Saso, whose only two LPGA wins are U.S. Opens, says the difficulty "makes me focus deeper."
- Human angle or fun fact: Amari Avery credits NIL money for aiding her journey: "I think I got lucky in that way... it's definitely a grind."
PRO GOLF PULSE
- Marquee storyline: Scottie Scheffler (another pre-PGA driver issue victim) says Liv players bear responsibility for unity, while Viktor Hovland finds the current golf atmosphere "weird," almost like past events "didn't happen anymore."
- Supporting stat or quote: Hovland on the current golf scene: "It's kind of weird. It feels like it almost didn't happen anymore."
- Human angle or fun fact: The Senior PGA Championship relocates to The Concession Golf Club from 2026 (April 16-19) for three years.
Quick Hits
DJ's Liv contract reportedly ends 2025, DeChambeau's 2026 • Liv 'Duels' social media integration continues • Dana Fall secures final U.S. Women's Open spot
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