This Week in Golf – February 20, 2026

There’s something quietly satisfying about watching the golf world settle into its rhythm as we move deeper into the season. This week brought us closer to the players we follow, reminded us why institutional knowledge matters, and showed us how the game continues to evolve both on and off the course.

PGA Tour News

At Riviera Country Club, Tiger Woods shared what he called a “cool” story about his younger days at the venue—one that apparently involved a shove. The details are frustratingly sparse, but that’s classic Tiger, holding onto these fragments of his journey and doling them out like breadcrumbs for those of us who’ve watched him for decades. Riviera has always been a place where history feels present, where you can almost hear echoes of past rounds in the eucalyptus trees. Tiger’s recent hints about the Masters not being “off the table” continue to keep fans guessing about his competitive future.

In bigger news, Lucas Glover is joining the PGA Tour’s governing board—which is fascinating given his history as one of the circuit’s biggest critics. The Tour is essentially bringing the outsider inside, giving the critic a seat at the table. Glover has never been one to soften his edges or play politics, so either this is brilliant or it’s going to get messy. Probably both. The best boardrooms need voices willing to ask uncomfortable questions.

On a lighter note, Haotong Li’s retelling of a rules infraction brought laughter during his appearance on “The Smylie Show” podcast, complete with the memorable quote: “That sucks, man. I hate him.” It’s refreshing to hear a player laugh at golf’s absurdities and admit that the game’s relationship with rules is both sacred and occasionally ridiculous.

Instruction and Technique

For those looking to work the ball better, GOLF Top 100 Teacher Mike Malizia offered insights on hitting both draws and fades by focusing on setup changes. Learning to shape shots isn’t just about the practical advantages on the course—it forces you to understand your swing mechanics at a deeper level. Each shot shape becomes a conversation between what you want the ball to do and what your body can actually deliver.

Equipment Updates

The gear world keeps pushing forward. SQAIRZ expanded its medical advisory board with biomechanics expert Scott K. Lynn, PhD, part of the growing emphasis on science-based performance. It’s interesting to watch equipment companies dive deeper into how the human body relates to golf, treating shoes not as accessories but as crucial parts of the kinetic chain.

Blue Tees Golf debuted its most advanced connected product lineup at the PGA Show, with preorders now open. Technology keeps getting integrated into golf equipment, though I wonder if we’re reaching a point where the tools are more sophisticated than most players’ ability to use them effectively.

In an interesting move, Ben Griffin signed an extension with Maxfli for golf balls while letting his other gear contracts lapse, making him a “gear free agent” except for the one piece of equipment that matters most. There’s logic in this approach—while drivers and irons grab headlines, the ball is your companion for every single shot. Speaking of golf ball innovations, TaylorMade’s latest TP5 and TP5x models showcase how microcoating technology is pushing performance boundaries.

Community and Social Media

The Genesis Invitational took over golf social media this week, with Reddit’s r/golf community hosting the official tournament discussion thread. Weather became a storyline when Riviera got hit with significant rain, another reminder that golf’s relationship with nature is delicately balanced. Tournament weather delays like this often create dramatic finishes, as we saw recently when Collin Morikawa battled the coastal winds at Pebble Beach to secure his victory.

The week also brought recognition to diversity efforts, as the APGA’s Cisco Black History Month Awards honored PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan and Golf Digest’s Tod Leonard, alongside standout players Kevin Hall, Willie Mack III, and Kamaiu Johnson. These moments remind us that golf’s evolution goes far beyond equipment and technique—it’s about who gets to be part of the conversation.

As February winds down, the season feels like it’s finding its voice. Players are settling into rhythms, equipment companies are pushing boundaries, and the community keeps growing in unexpected directions. Each week brings new stories, but the constants remain: the pursuit of improvement, the love of competition, and the quiet satisfaction of a well-struck shot.