Rory’s Hiatus, LIV’s Lawsuit & 3M Open Bubble Drama - July 22nd, 2026

On July 22nd, 2026, we break down Rory McIlroy's surprising four-week hiatus, LIV Golf's mounting legal and roster issues, and preview a high-stakes 3M Open as the FedEx Cup bubble heats up.PGA TOUR / RORY'S HIATUSFollowing a T-40 finish at Royal Birkdale, Rory McIlroy is taking a four-week break until the FedEx St. Jude Championship, openly criticizing the playoff format and admitting regular Tour events currently lack excitement."So why would I care about the first two?" McIlroy said regarding the playoffs, adding that the Tour is currently "in a lot of flux."The real reason for the break is dad duty; Rory noted, "Poppy has got another four weeks off school," prioritizing family time over the 3M Open.LIV GOLF / LAWSUITS & RAHM'S FRUSTRATIONLIV Golf heads to the UK's JCB Golf and Country Club under a cloud of controversy, facing a Miami lawsuit from Mobii Systems Group for over $1.1 million in unpaid fees and lost revenue.Court documents cite a revealing email from LIV's Nick Connor stating the league is currently evaluating "its business model."Jon Rahm is feeling the heat, dodging questions about his 2027 LIV future and venting frustration over pace-of-play rules resetting daily, complaining, "That does not seem very fair to me."GLOBAL GOLF / ASIAN TOUR ALLIANCEThe Asian Tour is officially ending its relationship with LIV Golf, announcing a massive new strategic alliance with the PGA and DP World Tours that is set to begin in 2027.Rory McIlroy quickly voiced his approval on Twitter: "Positive news and great to see respective tours working together for the good of international golf."This marks a massive geopolitical shift in the pro golf landscape, effectively closing one of LIV's biggest international pipelines and unifying the traditional tours.PGA TOUR / 3M OPEN PREVIEWThe 3M Open kicks off tomorrow at the water-heavy TPC Twin Cities, featuring Scottie Scheffler's tournament debut and a desperate scramble for players trying to crack the top-70 FedEx Cup playoff bubble.Scheffler enters as a heavy +240 favorite, while bubble boys Johnny Keefer (71), Keegan Bradley (72), Brooks Koepka (82), and Tony Finau (83) fight for their postseason lives.Keep an eye on Johnny Keefer; thanks to his elite Greens in Regulation (GIR) stats, he is our ultimate sleeper pick this week at +6500.Quick HitsPhil Mickelson withdrew from LIV UK due to a family medical matter and will be replaced by Scott Vincent • Jordan Spieth and Ryan Fox have officially withdrawn from the 3M Open • TPC Twin Cities' Arnold Palmer design promises plenty of water hazards and dramatic finishes for the bubble boys this weekend Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.