Rory McIlroy just dropped some serious shade at the Dubai Desert Classic. When asked about Tyrrell Hatton and Jon Rahm's unpaid DP World Tour fines, he didn't hold back: "We went really hard on the Americans about being paid to play the Ryder Cup. We also said WE would pay to play. There are two guys that can prove it." THE BACKSTORY Hatton and Rahm were fined for playing LIV events while still DP World Tour members. Both appealed, which let them keep their membership and play in last year's Ryder Cup win. But those appeals haven't been heard yet. Which means this exact situation will come back before the 2027 Ryder Cup at Adare Manor. THE HYPOCRISY ANGLE Remember when Americans got $500K each to play the Ryder Cup? Europeans made a big deal about how they'd "pay to play" for the honor. Now Rory's basically saying: Prove it. Pay your fines. MY TAKE He's got a point. You can't claim the Ryder Cup is priceless while also fighting multi-million pound fines. Pick a lane. --- Is Rory right to call them out? Or should he mind his business? 1. Rory's right - pay up or shut up 2. Those fines are ridiculous anyway 3. This is between them and the Tour, not Rory

Mark your calendars - Torrey Pines is BACK with a proper Sunday finish. For the first time in FOUR YEARS, the Farmers Insurance Open wont be competing with NFL playoffs. No more Wednesday-Saturday format. Real golf on a real Sunday. THE DETAILS Jan 29 - Feb 1 Torrey Pines, San Diego CBS (with Jim Nantz actually there in person!) WHO TO WATCH - Scottie Scheffler - fresh off his 20th win, scary good right now - Brooks Koepka - first PGA event since returning from LIV - Xander Schauffele - local favorite WHY IT MATTERS Torrey Pines is one of the best public courses in America. The South Course hosted the 2021 US Open. And without NFL competition, this might actually get the TV ratings it deserves. --- Whos your pick to win?

Forget traditional golf instruction for a second. YouTube golf has EXPLODED - and honestly, some of these creators are more entertaining than actual tournaments. Here are the channels every golfer should be watching: GRANT HORVAT - Former mini-tour pro turned content king. His course vlogs and collabs with Good Good are pure gold. If you're not subscribed, what are you even doing? GOOD GOOD GOLF - The boys who made golf cool for a whole new generation. Scrambles, match play, ridiculous challenges. 6M+ subscribers can't be wrong. RICK SHIELS - The British pro who reviews EVERYTHING. New driver? Rick's tested it. Weird training aid? Rick's tried it. Plus his course vlogs are chef's kiss. BOB DOES SPORTS - Not just golf, but their golf content is hilarious. They play with pros, celebrities, and random people they find. Chaotic energy. NO LAYING UP - More serious golf content. Great tournament coverage and interviews. The Strapped series is legendary. --- Who am I missing? Drop your favorite golf YouTubers below - always looking for new channels to binge.

The world #1 just keeps collecting trophies. **THE AMERICAN EXPRESS - FINAL RESULTS** Scottie Scheffler won by FOUR shots. His 20th PGA Tour victory. For context: he's now the second-fastest player to reach 20 wins. Only Tiger got there quicker. The 18-year-old Blades Brown who nearly shot 59 on Friday? Finished T5. Still an incredible week for the kid - we'll be seeing a lot more of him. **DUBAI DESERT CLASSIC** Patrick Reed cruised to victory by 4 strokes. **WHAT'S NEXT** Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines - and Brooks Koepka makes his official PGA Tour return after his LIV stint. --- Scheffler vs Tiger comparisons - fair or too early? Let me know your thoughts below

Happy Saturday, golfers! Here's what's happening on the courses this weekend: **THE AMERICAN EXPRESS (PGA Tour)** Scottie Scheffler opened with a scorching 63 - no surprise there, the world #1 is hunting another title. But the real story? 19-year-old Charlie Brown came ONE shot away from shooting 59. He settled for a 60. At 19. Let that sink in. **DUBAI DESERT CLASSIC** Patrick Reed is leading by 4 shots. Say what you want about the guy, but he can still play. **INJURY NEWS** Ludvig Åberg (the Swedish sensation who almost won the Masters last year) withdrew due to illness. Get well soon! --- What tournament are you watching this weekend? Drop your picks for who takes it home 🏆