Monday, March 16, 2026 Balls & Bogeys Golf News Edition
Photo: Getty Images
Cameron Young birdies 17, hits monster drive on 18 to win 2026 Players
– by Adam Schupak / Golfweek
Per Adam: “Cameron Young learned how to get out of his own way, how to stop stressing over achieving his wildly unrealistic goals and how to stop berating himself…”
B&B POV: Yesterday afternoon, Cameron Young, playing in the 2nd-to-last group, tied for the lead with Matt Fitzpatrick, hit the longest, purest tee shot on 18 at TPC Sawgrass since 2004. That’s not hyperbole. That’s a data stat provided by the PGA TOUR. Young hit a better drive on that hole than the nearly 10,000 drives hit before him Sunday, with the tourney on the line.
Big ballers hit big balls in the biggest moments. His final drive Sunday was an incredible shot under pressure. Congrats to Cam Young — the 2026 Players Champion.
Photo: Getty Images
As Tiger Woods’ Ryder Cup decision looms, U.S. plan sure looks shaky
– by Nick Rodger / Special for Golfweek/Newsquest
Per Nick: “The 2027 Ryder Cup in Ireland is still 18 months away, but the build-up has already started, and Luke Donald’s reappointment as European skipper last week got the ball rolling…”
B&B POV: Speculation of Tiger Woods becoming the 2027 US Ryder Cup Captain has been swirling for a few years now. If he doesn’t take the job (surely he’s been offered it), who will the PGA of America turn to? Here’s our ranking of who they should call next: 1. Freddie Couples; 2. Steve Stricker; 3. Jordan Spieth (this would be a wild choice, but fun as heck to watch play out.)
Winners, Losers & Payouts From the 2026 Players Championship
– by Thomas Hamden / Balls & Bogeys
Per Thomas: If you want proof that TPC Sawgrass can humble the best players in the world, just look at Sunday.
The final round of the 2026 Players Championship had everything: a three-shot overnight lead, a back-nine collapse by Ludvig Åberg, and a dramatic late charge from the eventual winner. When the dust settled, Cameron Young shot a closing 68 to reach 13-under and win by one shot over Matt Fitzpatrick, claiming the biggest victory of his career and a $4.5 million payday.
But the real story of Sunday was the chaotic, calamitous golf played around him while he stayed steady.
Let’s break down who stepped up — and who didn’t — during the final round at Sawgrass.
Click the button to view the full payouts:
Photo: Getty Images
What’s in the Bag: Cameron Young Winning Setup – 2026 Edition
– by Thomas Hamden / Balls & Bogeys
Per Thomas: For years, Cameron Young carried the label “best player on Tour without a signature win.”
That label officially disappeared Sunday at The Players Championship, where the long-hitting, thick-bearded, New Yorker broke through the field at TPC Sawgrass. Known for elite swing/ball speed, towering drives, and a swing that looks like it could power a wind farm, Young leaned on a bag packed almost entirely with Titleist gear and ultra-stiff shafts to tame one of the most demanding courses in golf…
Click to View Cam’s Winning Bag >
‘Absolutely hated it’: Shocking miss hands Bryson DeChambeau LIV playoff win
– by Kevin Cunningham / GOLF
Per Kevin: “On Sunday at the 2026 LIV Golf Singapore event, Bryson DeChambeau ended a winless drought with a comeback playoff victory. But not without a little help from his playoff competitor…”
B&B POV: DeChambeau’s 72-hole LIV victory in Singapore should give him a confidence boost leading into the Masters, which will take place in four weeks. It’s a shame his play wasn’t on display at TPC Sawgrass this weekend, but that’s a story for another newsletter.
FEATURED LESSON
‘Bomber Cam Young shares his tips to hit consistently solid rippers off the tee’
In the video, Young talks through his key swing thoughts and setup for hitting a variety of driver shots when it matters most.
YOU HAVE TO SEE THIS…
Not all heroes wear capes.
Things you just can’t make up. Don’t miss these random nuggets of gold we found on the interwebs. You’re welcome.
Featured Golf Gear – Malbon
