Golf News Roundup: Brian Harman Hit by Rare Ball Rule, Wilson Staff Model Returns, and American Express Updates
There’s something uniquely humbling about golf’s rulebook—a thick tome of regulations that can catch even the most seasoned professionals off guard. This week was a perfect reminder of that reality, while also bringing fresh equipment news and the ongoing drama of desert golf in California.
PGA Tour News
The most interesting story of the week came from the American Express, where major champion Brian Harman found himself on the wrong end of a rarely invoked golf ball rule. “That is a huge mistake,” came from the broadcast booth, and you could sense the collective wince from players watching at home. It’s been “quite some time” since analysts have seen this particular ruling in action, which speaks to both how obscure it is and how much it stings when applied.
These moments remind us why we love and hate this game in equal measure. The rules of golf don’t bend for reputation or past accomplishments—they apply with mechanical precision, whether you’re a weekend warrior or a major champion. Harman’s experience is a teaching moment for all of us who carry scorecards and dreams.
Meanwhile, the American Express continued its Friday proceedings with notable names like Ludvig Åberg and Scottie Scheffler navigating the desert courses. There’s something about January golf in the California desert that strips away pretense—the conditions are generally favorable, the courses demanding but fair, and the pressure to start the season with purpose is obvious.
In a lighter but revealing moment, Matt Every opened up about his PGA Tour fines and the art of club throwing during an appearance on Golf’s Subpar podcast. Every’s candid discussion of his penalties offers a glimpse into the less glamorous side of professional golf—where emotions run high and wallets occasionally pay the price for momentary lapses.
Equipment Updates
The equipment world delivered some substantial news this week, headlined by Wilson’s return to the premium ball conversation. The 2026 Wilson Staff Model golf ball is earning consideration alongside the established titans in the tour-level ball space—a big development for a brand working to reclaim its position in the premium market.
Wilson’s approach with the Staff Model is more than just another product launch. It’s a statement about the company’s commitment to competing where performance matters most. The four-piece construction and tour-caliber specifications suggest Wilson is serious about giving players a legitimate alternative to the usual suspects.
Shaft technology also saw advancement with UST Mamiya’s LIN-Q PowerCore Blue offering, which promises the mid/mid profile that many players seek—that sweet spot between feel and stability that makes golf shots feel effortless when everything clicks.
L.A.B. Golf, the company that revolutionized putting with their Lie Angle Balance technology, announced faster ball speeds with their DF3i, while Odyssey unveiled their Ai-Dual Square 2 putters, promising better forward roll and zero torque—claims that speak to every golfer’s dream of perfectly struck putts.
Practice and Improvement
For those of us constantly seeking to improve our putting—and let’s be honest, that’s all of us—Golf Top 100 Teacher Tom Patri shared two simple drills that promise dramatic improvement on the greens. The beauty of good putting instruction lies in its simplicity; the best advice often involves fundamental concepts executed with precision rather than complex techniques.
Community Conversations
The golf community’s online discussions this week ranged from practical to amusing. Adam Schenk’s errant shot found its way off a fan’s chest and into their drink—a reminder that golf spectating involves its own unique risks and occasional rewards.
Perhaps most tellingly, discussions about ‘relaxed rules’ continue to generate debate in golf forums. These conversations capture our sport’s ongoing tension between tradition and accessibility, between preserving the game’s challenge and making it more enjoyable for recreational players.
As January golf continues to unfold, these stories remind us that the game remains as complex and compelling as ever—a blend of precision and chaos, tradition and innovation, individual struggle and shared community. Whether you’re navigating obscure rules or seeking the perfect putter, golf continues to offer lessons in humility, hope, and the endless pursuit of improvement.