Rory vs. Scottie on 2028 & Rahm's Loophole - July 9th, 2026

On July 9th, 2026, we break down the ideological divide over the PGA Tour's 2028 restructuring, preview a star-studded Scottish Open, and examine golf's aggressive new stance on gambling-related fan harassment.PGA TOUR 2028 RESTRUCTURINGThe proposed 2028 two-tier Tour structure has ignited an ideological clash between the game's biggest stars, with the future and prestige of historic National Opens hanging in the balance as the divide deepens.Rory McIlroy argued, "You cannot call yourself a National Open anymore if it is a closed off tournament," while Scottie Scheffler countered that "getting the same guys playing against each other... is the best way to set up our schedule."Despite the heavy debate, Scheffler kept things light when asked about his 30th birthday, deadpanning that "my hair has been receding for years."GENESIS SCOTTISH OPEN PREPJon Rahm is utilizing a DP World Tour loophole to tee it up in Scotland to get "much more prepared for The Open," while Scottie Scheffler arrives strictly "to play golf and play well."Rory McIlroy gave Rahm's appearance his blessing, saying "having Jon in this event is better," while clapping back at reporters questioning his own post-U.S. Open rust: "What do you think I do in my off weeks?"Rory's "secret" Royal Birkdale scouting trip with Harry Diamond was completely blown by Sir Nick Faldo, prompting Rory to joke, "Faldo could not put his phone away."FAN BEHAVIOR & GAMBLING CRACKDOWNFollowing the abuse Wyndham Clark faced at the U.S. Open, the R&A is officially implementing "The Open Commitment" code of conduct at Royal Birkdale to combat the alarming rise of gambling-related fan harassment.Jordan Spieth highlighted the unique danger of the betting craze at the John Deere Classic: "I cannot think of another sport where a fan can have as much influence as in golf."Rowdy bettors beware—the new policy promises swift, Augusta-style ejections for anyone who crosses the line.Quick HitsJon Rahm said "never say never" to investing his own money to help LIV CEO Scott O'Neil raise $300 million amid the league's financial crisis • Tiger Woods is designing a massive new 7,310-yard TGR course at Tributer Resort on Lake Anna in Virginia • Firestone's South Course leaves the PGA Tour Champions schedule after 72 years, bidding farewell to a venue Stewart Cink called "hallowed ground in our game." Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.