After Brooks Koepka's shocking LIV departure, Rory McIlroy's harsh comments raise even more questions about the league's future.

In this week's episode of The Golf Podcast, we break down the latest shake-up in the world of professional golf as Rory McIlroy's recent comments on LIV Golf spark fresh debate across the game.

Rory openly discussed welcoming Brooks Koepka back into the TGL and potentially clearing pathways for a return to the PGA Tour, while also questioning whether LIV has truly resonated with fans. Those remarks, combined with Brooks' decision to leave LIV and sit out the season, have many fans wondering if another major move could be coming next. Specifically, could Bryson DeChambeau follow a similar path when his contract comes up at the end of 2026?

We unpack Rory's quotes in full, analyze Bryson's own responses, and discuss whether his success on LIV, YouTube growth, and commercial momentum make a return unlikely—or simply a strategic bargaining position.

On top of that, we dive into the latest update from the Official World Golf Rankings, including renewed discussions around LIV's application and what recent structural changes could mean for ranking points moving forward. From potential pathways back to the PGA Tour to the broader implications for LIV's future, there's a lot to unpack as the new year gets underway.

We have you covered for your next big golf trip with five can't-miss destinations (from bucket-list to surprisingly affordable) including the exact stay/play/eat game plan to book it right.

In this week's episode of The Golf Podcast, we're breaking down five golf trips you need to take this year—with real "boots on the ground" advice from places we actually played. If you've been staring at a group text trying to figure out where to go next (and how to make it memorable without torching the budget), this episode is your blueprint.

We cover a spectrum of trips: a next-level Scottsdale, Arizona stay with golf amenities that keep the competition going long after your round, a true golf-purist bucket list escape to Sand Valley (with tips on courses, food, lodging, and why caddies matter), and a wildly underrated "budget meets bucket list" play—staying on-property at Tobacco Road in the Stewart Cabin, complete with night golf potential.

We also hit two sleeper destinations that deliver major value: Outer Banks, North Carolina for shoulder-season conditions and affordable golf cottages, plus the Jersey Shore/Atlantic City area for a golf-and-nightlife weekend with hidden gem courses and even a laid-back nine-hole vibe.

Expect course picks, travel timing, pricing perspective, and food/experience recommendations to help you book the right trip.

This might be the most underrated golf trip on the East Coast—and we're breaking down the exact itinerary (courses, stays, eats, and a wild off-course surprise) to prove it.

In this episode of the golf podcast, we may have just found your next great golf trip — and it's in a place you probably wouldn't expect: the Outer Banks of North Carolina.

We break down why OBX is a legit hidden gem for golfers, with an awesome mix of courses (coastal vibes, water views, wind, and totally different layouts from day to day), plus plenty to do off the course if you're bringing family or non-golfers. We also share how easy it is to get there (drive from the Northeast or fly into Norfolk and make a quick hop down), and why fall is the sweet spot for conditions and pricing.

We walk through our itinerary, including where we stayed at Kilmarlic Golf Club's cottages, how we packed in 36-hole days with minimal driving, and the standout food stops like NC Coast Grill, JK's steakhouse, and North Carolina barbecue. We also talk about one of the coolest non-golf experiences in the area: a wild horse tour in Corolla.

If you're looking for an underrated, easy-to-plan golf trip with big destination energy, this one belongs on your shortlist.