Monday, October 26, 2026 Balls & Bogeys Golf News Edition
Photo: Getty Images
Austin Smotherman makes it two wins in a row with playoff victory over Seamus Power at Butterfield Bermuda Championship
Per Associated Press / PGA TOUR: “Austin Smotherman captured his second FedExCup Fall event of 2026 in as many starts Monday morning when he outlasted Seamus Power of Ireland with a par on the third playoff hole to win the weather-shortened Butterfield Bermuda Championship.”
B&B POV: A cancelled final round coupled with an early playoff tee time today didn’t throw off Smotherman on his way to his 2nd PGA TOUR victory in a row. His game and his hair keep on flowing, and with this victory, he is assured of starting the 2027 season playing in the big boy Signature events.
Photo: Getty Images
LIV Golf tracker: Who’s staying, who’s leaving? See the latest as deadline approaches
Per Nick Stavas, Tim Schmitt, and Cameron Jourdan / Golfweek: “The deadline is approaching for members of LIV Golf to decide if they are staying with the league or leaving to pursue other opportunities. Players have until Sunday, Oct. 25 to make that decision, and several have already announced that they will not be competing on the circuit any longer. ”
B&B POV: One thing is for certain: to make money on the course in ’27, all ex-LIVrs will need to earn it with their play. Rahm and Hatton are out. Now we are waiting to see what Joaquin Niemann and Bryson do. Many fans and sponsors really don’t give two hoots what the others do. Only the four mentioned drive ticket sales.
Photo: AP Photo / J. Scott Applewhite
Trump says he will close historic DC golf course for 15 months of renovations
Per Kevin Cunningham / GOLF: “One year ago this month, Tiger Woods underwent his latest back surgery, beginning a lengthy and difficult recovery process. A lot has happened in Tiger’s life since then, further delaying his return to pro golf.”
B&B POV: Tiger’s swing looked solid, and he came across as happy, healthy, and, most importantly, clear-eyed and lucid. If his goal is to tee it up in the ’27 Masters, he should play a couple of PGA TOUR Champions events in the spring leading up to his trip to Augusta, including the Hoag SENIOR PLAYERS Championship in Newport Beach, played on a flat course he knows well.
Photo: RAJ Mehta / Getty Images
Rory Sabbatini cards stellar 62 to win first PGA Tour Champions playoff event
Per Cameron Jourdan / Golfweek: “Rory Sabbatini had an incredible final round to win his first PGA Tour Champions event. Sabbatini, who turned 50 in April, shot 9-under 62 at Norwood Hills Country Club in St. Louis, Missouri, to win the 2026 Stifel Charity Classic, the first event of the PGA Tour Champions playoffs, the Schwab Cup.”
B&B POV: A tip for anyone hoping to win a big tournament—from a junior event all the way to the Masters: shoot 62 in the final round.
That’s what Rory Sabbatini did yesterday to win the 2026 Stifel Charity Classic. He’s long had a reputation—well earned, going back to his college days—for being caustic and selfish. Shooting 9 under on Sunday is a great way to slam the proverbial coffin door shut. For those curious, insta-stud Michael “Blockie” Block finished T-13 after a stellar final-round 66. He’s still rolling on the senior circuit.
Photo: Getty Images
DP World Tour’s Race to Dubai playoff field set after Yuto Katsuragawa’s breakthrough win
Per Cameron Jourdan / Golfweek: “Yuto Katsuragawa called Sunday the “the greatest moment of my life,” and for good reason. The 28-year-old from Japan had a monumental victory, claiming his second DP World Tour title at the regular-season ending Genesis Championship in Korea.”
B&B POV: Yesterday’s victory for Yuto Katsuragawa was a game-changer for his career. Now the DP World Tour moves on to its playoff, and many top 50 players in the world will tee it up, including Rory, Captain America, and Tommy Boy. Who will win this year’s Race to Dubai? Our money is on Rory. He’s already won 6, and you know what they say about the number 7.
LESSON OF THE WEEK
Putting Tips For Pressure Situations | Nick Faldo
We uncovered this terrific instructional video featuring Sir Nick sharing his secrets for holing those short, knee-knocking putts that can make or break a round.
YOU HAVE TO SEE THIS...
Good luck finding your golf ball in this madness!
Things you just can’t make up. Don’t miss these random nuggets of gold we found on the interwebs. You’re welcome.
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