Articles by Jaime Diaz

October 29th, 2024

OPINION: The sad consequence of the PGA Tour–PIF negotiations stalemate

At the moment, it seems negotiations between the PGA Tour and Saudi Arabia’s PIF and its governor, Yasir Al-Rumayyan, are enmeshed in anti-trust regulation hell, forcing a harrowing holding pattern in which all of golf’s lawyers and all the kingdom’s men can’t seem to put what’s left of the tour back together again.

September 5th, 2024

Down but never out, Lydia Ko’s career resurgence is one for the ages

There’s really no one in the history of golf like Lydia Ko. First, there’s a pretty air-tight argument that Ko is the greatest very young player in golf history. Yes, including Tiger Woods, who from the ages of 15 through 20 won three straight U.S. Juniors followed by three straight U.S. Amateurs. But in the Read more…

August 21st, 2024

OPINION: The point about the FedEx Cup Playoffs that too many people are still missing

With the current state of the professional game, the FedEx Cup has become an essential display of strength for the PGA Tour.

June 20th, 2024

The best-case scenario for Rory McIlroy after Pinehurst

A crushing loss doesn’t need to be fatal if McIlroy responds the right way.

June 7th, 2024

‘A new day’: USGA President Fred Perpall brings dynamic personality and drive to golf

For those who aspire to lead, it’s always helpful to own an authentic personal story. Especially one that matches the moment. To golf’s great benefit, that’s precisely the case with Fred Perpall. For the past 18 months, the 49-year-old CEO of a Dallas architecture firm has been USGA president. As the first Black man among Read more…

May 22nd, 2024

Why an ‘exciting’ major and a ‘good’ major are two different things

What kind of golf is best for major championships? There are more elements at play in golf’s current ecosystem, and perhaps a reconsideration is in order.

May 11th, 2024

PGA Championship 2024: Can Rory McIlroy find himself again in march towards joining all-time greats?

Thirteen years after his first major victory, McIlroy’s potential is still more intriguing than his prodigious accomplishments.

May 3rd, 2024

‘Always a smile’: The endearing legacy of Peter Oosterhuis

CBS colleagues Jim Nantz, Nick Faldo and Ian Baker-Finch help explain what Peter Oosterhuis did to succeed as a player, a broadcaster and a friend.

April 18th, 2024

Scottie Scheffler and the Masters should leave you feeling better about pro golf’s future. Here’s why

While the CBS’ final-round ratings followed the trend in 2024 of being down from the previous year, some interactions and observations from being at this year’s Masters eased this writer’s mind.

April 7th, 2024

Phil Mickelson’s greatest triumph came 20 years ago. He and golf haven’t been the same since

For the three-time Masters champion, it’s been a gradual, circuitous and finally sudden journey, as big a reversal in public image as golf has ever seen.

January 24th, 2024

The spirit of Arnold Palmer lives on in the Arnies

Arnold Palmer epitomized achievement and philanthropy in golf. “When you’ve reached the top, send the elevator back down for the others”—that’s the essence of the Arnie Award, given annually by Golf Digest in recognition of golfers who give back. This is the 12th-consecutive year we’ve celebrated the game’s benevolent spirit, partnering with the Arnold & Read more…

January 24th, 2024

Arnie Award winner Rory McIlroy carries a special burden Palmer knew all too well

The greatest golfers have always given back. Automatically through the permanence of their records. Proactively by sharing their stories and accumulated wisdom. Munificently through philanthropy that leaves the game and the world better. Historically, no group in golf has had more to give, or given more, than the players in its pantheon, from Harry Vardon Read more…

October 27th, 2021

The ultimate gamer

The story of a career relived through the words of golf’s premier writer. 

March 26th, 2018

What Made Tiger Great?

Nicklaus, Player, Trevino, Miller & Faldo on going from good to transcendent.

January 24th, 2018

For Tiger Woods to (finally) have a successful return to golf, he must …

Well, do a lot of things. But most importantly he has to tap back into his former, creative-genius, self.

December 24th, 2017

Justin Thomas has arrived

Australian Golf Digest’s Newsmaker of the Year showcases a paradigm shift in professional golf, where you’re never too young to dominate.

November 24th, 2017

Tough Act To Follow

Billy Payne grew Augusta National’s stature to a new level before naming Fred Ridley as his successor.

November 22nd, 2017

Survival Of The Fittest?

With golf fitness still in its infancy and as players bulk up and swing speeds increase, golf debates what’s causing injuries to top players.

November 17th, 2017

Where Jordan Spieth Is Showing True Greatness

En route to his most important victory of the year, the now three-time Major winner reminded us his short game is currently without peer.

November 8th, 2017

Tiger’s latest comeback comes with more than a small dose of optimism

“For the first time since 2010, it looks like a swing he can play with. I know what he can play with and what he can’t play with. And I feel he can play with that swing.”

October 17th, 2017

Fred Ridley takes the lead at Augusta

The 65-year-old becomes Masters chairman aware of his strengths – and how he’s different from the man he’s replacing.

October 3rd, 2017

What the Presidents Cup needs most? More time

The temptation after another US rout is to say the Presidents Cup is broken beyond repair, but there’s reason to believe the Internationals can grow into a force.