Articles by Joel Beall

Players 2025: Why the underdog thinks he can beat Rory McIlroy

PONTE VEDRA BEACH — The ball traced a defiant path across a rain-soaked green, needing to travel 30 feet, 4 inches. Four inches short of immortality, the ball lost its war against gravity. J.J. Spaun sank to his knees, eyes transfixed on the ball that refused his command. His expression was one of anger or Read more…

Players 2025: This Players is the anatomy of professional golf

PONTE VEDRA BEACH — This is their championship, which is why it’s fitting that the Players has transformed into an anatomy of professional golf. The identity of the PGA Tour has been the subject of relentless debate, with even more discourse surrounding its potential evolution and ideal future state. As a member-governed institution, discussions about Read more…

Players 2025: Sunday tee times moved up early to avoid thunderstorms

PONTE VEDRA BEACH — Tee times for Sunday’s final round of the Players Championship have been moved up to avoid potential inclement weather. The decision, announced late Saturday afternoon at TPC Sawgrass, will have the field playing in threesomes and playing off the No. 1 and No. 10 tees. The first group will go off Read more…

2025 Players: Wyndham Clark WDs on Friday at Sawgrass

PONTE VEDRA BEACH — Wyndham Clark pulled out of the Players Championship late on Friday. Clark, who came agonizingly close to a playoff at TPC Sawgrass last year, was seen shaking hands with competitors Jordan Spieth and Danny Walker before the group turned to the second nine. The reason for the WD was not immediately Read more…

Players 2025: A reminder of what really matters

PONTE VEDRA BEACH — This is the moment that justifies it all, isn’t it? The practice sessions measured not in hours but in calloused hands and aching muscles, the refinement of a craft that can never be mastered, working through frustration and wondering if time has been squandered on something that will never come. All Read more…

Players 2025: Rory McIlroy touches on future retirement—’I’d like to walk away maybe a little before I should’

PONTE VEDRA BEACH — Rory McIlroy remains in the prime of his career. Nevertheless, despite being far from the end, the four-time major winner insists he has no intention of becoming someone pursuing past glory that has already slipped beyond reach. Speaking to the media Wednesday morning at TPC Sawgrass ahead of the Players Championship, Read more…

Nick Dunlap latest player to sign with TGL

Nick Dunlap is the latest player to sign a one-match contract with TGL. The reigning PGA Tour Rookie of the Year will join the Atlanta Drive for next Tuesday’s match against Jupiter Links on ESPN. Though the PGA Tour has started its Florida swing, both Justin Thomas and Patrick Cantlay are unavailable next week, leaving Read more…