Rahm's Extortion Claim, TGL Injury Plague & Valspar Preview - March 18th, 2026

On March 18th, 2026, we preview the Valspar Championship, LIV Golf South Africa, and the TGL Playoffs amidst massive fines, major injuries, and shifting dynamics across the golf world.LIV GOLF SOUTH AFRICA & DP WORLD TOUR DRAMAJon Rahm is firing back at the DP World Tour, rejecting a massive settlement over fines while defending the upcoming LIV South Africa event. Meanwhile, Steyn City has been completely "Bryson-proofed" with 17-yard fairways and thick kikuyu grass.Rahm labeled the £2.5 million in fines as "extortion," while defending the South African event by stating he is "very convinced it is going to be a really fun tournament."55-year-old Phil Mickelson is making an emotional return to the HyFlyers ahead of his 34th Masters, having missed four recent events to care for his wife, Amy.TGL PLAYOFFS AT SOFI CENTERThe TGL Playoffs are being decimated by an injury plague. Rory McIlroy is battling back spasms for Boston Common, while Collin Morikawa, Justin Thomas, and Tiger Woods are all sidelined or resting for their respective squads.Kevin Kisner noted the mounting pressure on Tiger Woods' absence, stating he "cannot just wing it at Augusta."Sahith Theegala is stepping up to the simulator plate, officially replacing the injured Morikawa on the LA Golf Club roster.VALSPAR CHAMPIONSHIPThe PGA Tour heads to Innisbrook's Copperhead Course with Xander Schauffele as the lone top-10 player. Defending champion Viktor Hovland and Patrick Cantlay are both desperately searching for form amidst severe ranking and mechanical slumps.Hovland openly admitted his current swing feels "contrived and manufactured," while Cantlay looks to rebound from a steep drop from 12th to 35th in the world rankings.Xander Schauffele enters as the heavy betting favorite at +1100 to conquer the Snake Pit.Quick HitsJohn Daly moves his 28-year Masters week setup from Hooters to Topgolf Augusta • Tom Kim stars alongside LeBron James in a new Beats commercial • Streamsong's new David McLay Kidd-designed Bone Valley course features prehistoric shark teeth Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.