Examine in each week for the unfiltered opinions of our writers and editors as they break down the most popular matters within the sport, and be part of the dialog by tweeting us at @golf_com. This week, we talk about the PGA Tour’s Participant of the 12 months Award, Rory McIlroy’s change of coronary heart, Kevin Kisner’s TV debut and extra.

The PGA Tour made its Participant of the 12 months announcement, but in a considerably stunning choice it was Scottie Scheffler who received over Jon Rahm. Scheffler received The Gamers and Phoenix Open final 12 months and put up gaudy scoring numbers and high finishes, however Rahm received 4 occasions, together with the Masters. The award is voted on by the gamers, with Scheffler incomes 38 p.c of the vote. (The Tour mentioned voting came about between Dec. 1-15; Rahm introduced he was leaving for LIV Golf on Dec. 7.) Rahm was beforehand voted Participant of the 12 months by the Golf Writers Affiliation of America, so what did the gamers see that the golf writers didn’t? Did Rahm leaving for LIV Golf have something to do with it?

Josh Sens, senior author (@JoshSens): As spectacular as Scheffler’s season was, Rahm clearly had the sting by the same old standards for this award. I feel it’s very secure to say Rahm’s leaving for LIV had lots to do with it. The impulse of, ‘He’s leaving, so why ought to he get an award?’ However it’s alleged to be a retrospective honor, primarily based strictly on what transpired final 12 months. So not selecting Rahm principally simply appears off-base and petty.

Ryan Barath, gear editor (@RDSBarath): I’ve heard some of us like Brandel Chamblee say that cash may have been the figuring out issue. I’m keen to wager that there aren’t many gamers that might take Scottie’s season over Rahm’s contemplating he earned himself a lifetime invitation to Augusta Nationwide, so on this case I feel politics got here into play massive time.

Josh Berhow, managing editor (@Josh_Berhow): The Tour doesn’t launch the variety of gamers who voted for these awards, but it surely’s necessary to recollect, traditionally, how few really take part. For a narrative I wrote concerning the 2019 Participant of the 12 months Award (Rory McIlroy edged Brooks Koepka), the Tour instructed us usually 45 to 60 p.c of gamers really vote. Possibly the gamers gave extra credit score to Scheffler’s unbelievable strokes-gained numbers and mega-consistency. However it additionally may have been a parting jab at Rahm, as a result of even early within the voting window (earlier than Rahm went to LIV) it wasn’t precisely a well-kept secret he could be leaving. I wasn’t in Hawaii this previous week, however at the least one journalist on-site saved asking gamers how they categorize a profitable season. The reply was fairly unanimous: wins. Can’t fault Scottie, although. He had an incredible season too.

In what appears to be a stunning reversal, Rory McIlroy has apparently softened his stance on LIV Golf, telling Gary Neville of The Overlap he was “possibly just a little judgmental of the fellows who went to LIV Golf at first” and that LIV has “uncovered the failings within the system of golf,” amongst different issues (you’ll be able to watch it right here). Why the sudden about-face from McIlroy?

Sens: I’m unsure it was actually a “sudden” about-face a lot because the gradual realization/resignation that LIV is right here to remain, or at very least the Saudis are, and that the professional recreation has very actual points it wants to handle. I’m positive McIlroy will catch shrapnel for being a “waffler” or a “hypocrite” or [insert your favorite social-media insult]. However greater than something, he deserves credit score for being open-minded and considerate sufficient to reassess his views primarily based on the proof he sees unfolding round him. That’s a power, not a weak point. We have now sufficient individuals on this world who’ve dug their heels in on every thing and refuse to budge, irrespective of what number of contradictory info slap them within the face day after day.

Barath: Josh hit the nail on the pinnacle right here. It doesn’t matter what the result goes ahead right here, Rory’s robust stance early on put him within the crosshairs of criticism from either side. I imagine that at this level he has come to the conclusion that as a lot as he in all probability needed issues to remain as they have been, it’s simply not going to occur and being public about his opinion reveals that he’s prepared to finish all of the preventing.

Berhow: Yeah, the writing is on the wall. I’m unsure if Rory was primarily waving the white flag or really simply altering his opinion primarily based on what’s taking place within the golf world, however the way forward for golf has the PIF (and LIV Golf) deeply concerned. That’s not going to vary quickly.

Mackenzie Hughes has been among the many most vocal professionals concerning the dysfunction within the recreation, and he spoke at size on the subject at The Sentry. “How do you make everybody glad?” he requested. “You’ll be able to’t. The best way ahead I hope is smoother, however I do know it will likely be messy earlier than it will get clean once more.” So, what is the best way ahead? There’s a probable merger between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf, however does that imply they’ll get alongside sooner or later? How do you see these leagues co-existing post-merger?

Sens: Mackenzie Hughes comes off as a considerate man and a likable participant. He may additionally stroll by means of Instances Sq. — and down most fairways, frankly — with out being acknowledged. Since 2017, he has been paid greater than $14 million in match prize cash and who is aware of how a lot else in off-course offers. He has already earned what individuals nowadays wish to name “generational wealth.” The concept that he and gamers of his stature would possibly someway be underpaid is ridiculous (the concept the large stars could be someway underpaid can be robust to swallow). Public faculty lecturers are underpaid. Tour professionals aren’t. It’s onerous to foretell what form the longer term will take precisely, however it appears that evidently must embody: 1) a small variety of occasions that entice all or almost the entire largest names, no matter tour affiliation; 2) a bigger variety of low-wattage occasions with shrunken purses to mirror how a lot they actually matter (until, after all, the Saudis need to hold paying inflated cash in perpetuity for occasions that few followers care about); 3) a pathway that might enable for demotions and promotions, in order that it isn’t a locked system; and 4) better acceptance/recognition by plenty of gamers that, quite than complain about what they don’t have, most needs to be pinching themselves at how lucky they already are. Find out how to arrive at that future? I’d have to go away that to individuals a lot smarter than I’m.

Barath: Hughes spoke thoughtfully about plenty of issues and gave the impression to be fairly life like of his place in all of it — which at this level looks as if a little bit of a rarity for lots of gamers of the same and even lesser stature within the recreation. Anyway, I’m not completely positive what a merger or peace treaty appears like at this level, however what I do know is that the majors nonetheless maintain far more of the informal golfer’s consideration than nearly any week-to-week match on the PGA Tour, so that they higher work out a strategy to get extra gamers in additional tournaments or else it’s going to proceed to be watered down and complicated for followers. I additionally hope that whereas they’re at it, they work out a strategy to clear up the broadcasts, however that’s one other rant for an additional day.

Berhow: I want I had an excellent guess, and that might be a part of the explanation the merger bought delayed within the first place. This isn’t simple! Having the PGA Tour and LIV Golf not solely reside collectively and work collectively has so many layers to it. A guess? They’re separate leagues with some kind of paths from one to the opposite with potential for in-season occasions between the 2. There’s one factor I’m assured in at the least: the majors will nonetheless be king, now greater than ever.

Kevin Kisner made his much-anticipated debut as an analyst for NBC at The Sentry in Hawaii, which is believed to be considerably of a “tryout” consisting of Kisner and different golfy figures because the community searches for a alternative for Paul Azinger. What did you consider Kisner’s debut?

Sens: As marketed, Kisner proved to be humorous and self-deprecating, each interesting traits. He’s additionally clearly chummy with plenty of the gamers, which has its pluses however solely in small doses, I feel. For 18 holes of research, I’d quite have a commentator who can lower to the fast a la Johnny Miller, with out worrying about straining his clubhouse and driving vary relationships. That’s much more fascinating than listening to Kisner muse on, say, what sort of cutesy nickname Scottie Scheffler ought to have. To my thoughts, the advantages Kisner brings are higher suited to an on-course reporter than to a lead analyst.

Barath: Kisner did a pleasant job with on-course interviews, and gamers appeared genuinely eager to speak about what they have been experiencing out on the course, however the one problem with the “buddy-buddy” of all of it is that it bought a bit too chummy — to steal a piece from Josh. Then again he was fast to level out when Jordan Spieth took too lengthy over a brief putt (which he missed) and I feel that type of pointed statement goes a good distance in serving to the viewer get an inside take a look at key moments. Total it was an excellent begin and I’m curious to see him do that a couple of extra occasions earlier than choosing a aspect.

Berhow: I assumed he did an excellent job. He appeared comfy and clearly is aware of the gamers properly. I agree followers additionally need that position to be somebody who can pretty criticize gamers when it’s wanted, however I don’t blame Kisner for holding that arrow in his quiver in his debut. As bizarre as a “tryout” may appear for this gig, it’ll really be enjoyable to see all of them get their likelihood. They’ll all get higher the extra they do it too.

Final week, our Sean Zak made his personal daring predictions for 2024, so now it’s your flip. What’s the boldest but nonetheless life like opinion you will have for the subsequent 12 months in golf?

Sens: Tiger wins the Open Championship.

Barath: My boldest is I get again to a scratch handicap. But when we’re speaking skilled golf, it’s Rory lastly profitable the inexperienced jacket.

Berhow: Jordan Spieth wins two majors, the Masters and Open Championship.