Bradley’s Big Payday, Puig’s Spanish Pride, Korda’s Ring, and Remembering Fuzzy
In this week’s “The Starter,” PGA professional Brendon Elliott, a three-decade industry veteran, gives his thoughts on the week that was in golf for R.org. Keegan Bradley dominates the return of “The Skins Game” after 17 years. David Puig follows Seve Ballesteros into Australian history. Nelly Korda shares engagement news after a whirlwind season. And the golf world mourns the loss of Fuzzy Zoeller, a champion whose personality was as memorable as his victories.
PGA TOUR: The Skins Game Returns With Bradley’s Dominance
After a 17-year absence, “The Skins Game” returned to professional golf on Black Friday, and U.S. Ryder Cup Captain Keegan Bradley made sure the wait was worth it. Playing at Panther National in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, Bradley won 11 skins worth $2.1 million in a dominant performance.
The format had been tweaked for modern times, compressing the action into 16 holes on Friday morning. Each player started with $1 million, with money deducted when someone else won skins. Bradley, Tommy Fleetwood, Xander Schauffele, and Shane Lowry teed it up with millions on the line.
Bradley’s victory was built on two massive moments. On the fifth hole, he claimed five skins after money carried over. Then came the 13th hole, where Bradley drained a 7-foot putt to win $900,000. That single putt was worth four skins.
It’s the kind of mathematics that makes “The Skins Game” so compelling. One putt, one moment, one shot can swing hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Tommy Fleetwood won the final hole for $1,125,000, finishing second overall with $1.7 million. Shane Lowry collected $200,000. Schauffele, despite his best efforts, went home empty-handed.
“Like this message if you won the same amount of skins as @XSchauffele today,” Justin Thomas tweeted afterward, poking fun at his friend who was shut out. That’s the beauty and brutality of the format.
The return of “The Skins Game” was a success, blending nostalgia with modern production values. For fans who remember the original with legends like Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, and Gary Player, this new version proved that the format can evolve while maintaining its essential appeal.
DP World Tour: Puig Follows Seve Into Australian History
David Puig became the second Spanish winner of the BMW Australian PGA Championship on Sunday, following in the footsteps of Seve Ballesteros and securing his maiden DP World Tour title. The 23-year-old fired a flawless 66 in the final round to finish at 18-under par and claim a two-shot victory at Royal Queensland Golf Club.
Puig began the day in a three-way tie for the lead but quickly seized control with birdies at the second, third, and fourth holes. He added birdies at the eighth and 13th before parring his way home to become the first winner of the 2026 DP World Tour season.
“It feels unbelievable, especially winning here in Australia,” Puig said. “They have awesome golf so I’m really excited and happy.”
The significance of Puig’s victory extends beyond the trophy. Ballesteros won this event in 1981, and for 44 years, he remained the only Spaniard to claim the title. Now Puig’s name sits alongside the legend’s in the record books.
“Obviously my name being with Seve’s name as the only two Spaniards to have won this event makes it even more special,” Puig said.
For Spanish golf fans, the connection to Ballesteros carries profound meaning. Seve wasn’t just a great player. He was the player who put Spanish golf on the world map, who inspired generations, who played with a creativity and passion that transcended the sport.
Puig’s closing 66 was a masterclass in pressure golf. Wenyi Ding made a late charge to finish second at 16-under par, but Puig closed with successive pars to seal the victory.
In his victory speech, Puig thanked his fiancée, parents, and her family. “I think we’re a really close group. We get along really well. It’s just amazing the support I get.”
That support system matters, especially for a 23-year-old playing thousands of miles from home. Puig’s got the talent, the temperament, and now the confidence that comes with winning at the highest level. And he’s got his name next to Seve Ballesteros in the history books, which isn’t a bad way to start a career.
LPGA Tour: Nelly Korda Announces Engagement
Nelly Korda shared some joyful personal news on November 28, announcing her engagement to Casey Gunderson via Instagram. The 27-year-old posted a photo carousel from her engagement session, captioning it simply: “In this life… & the next” with a ring emoji.
The announcement came just five days after Korda finished solo third at the CME Group Tour Championship, capping off her ninth season on the LPGA Tour. It’s been a remarkable few weeks for the two-time major champion.
Korda’s engagement followed a stretch that saw her play alongside WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark in the pro-am at The ANNIKA, launch her Player Exclusive golf shoe with Nike, and receive multiple shoutouts from NBA legend LeBron James, bringing additional mainstream attention to one of golf’s biggest stars.
Korda’s 2025 season isn’t quite finished. She’ll compete at the Grant Thornton Invitational from December 12-14, then close out her year at the PNC Championship in Orlando from December 18-21, competing alongside her father, Petr Korda, a former professional tennis player who won the 1998 Australian Open.
Korda’s engagement news resonated beyond the golf world, a testament to her crossover appeal and the genuine connection she’s built with fans. She’s not just a great player. She’s someone people root for, someone whose personality and authenticity shine through in everything she does.
Congratulations to Nelly and Casey. Here’s to the next chapter.
Remembering Fuzzy Zoeller: A Champion With Personality
The golf world mourned the loss of Fuzzy Zoeller on November 27. The 10-time PGA TOUR winner, whose victories included the 1979 Masters Tournament and the 1984 U.S. Open, died at age 74. He was one of those rare players whose personality was as memorable as his game, whose nickname was as recognizable as his swing.
“The PGA TOUR is saddened by the passing of Fuzzy Zoeller,” said PGA TOUR Commissioner Jay Monahan. “Fuzzy was a true original whose talent and charisma left an indelible mark on the game of golf. Fuzzy combined competitive excellence with a sense of humor that endeared him to fans and fellow players alike.”
Frank Urban Zoeller was born on November 11, 1951, in New Albany, Indiana. He grew up next to Valley View Country Club and picked up his nickname as a play on his initials (F.U.Z.). He started playing golf at age 3 and competed in his first tournament two years later.
After playing college golf at the University of Houston, Zoeller turned professional and earned his PGA TOUR card through qualifying school. In his second season, he opened with a 63 at the Quad Cities Open that included eight consecutive birdies, tying a PGA TOUR record. Despite the brilliance, Zoeller still hadn’t won. The questions lingered: Could he close? Could he win when it mattered most?
Those questions were answered emphatically in 1979. Zoeller won early in the season, then arrived at Augusta National for his first Masters Tournament. Playing in the final group on Sunday, he trailed leader Ed Sneed heading to the back nine.
What happened next became Masters legend. Sneed bogeyed three of the final four holes, opening the door for Zoeller and Tom Watson. On the second hole of the playoff, Zoeller sank a 6-foot birdie putt and flung his putter into the air in celebration. CBS Sports’ Vin Scully later suggested the putter might eventually be sighted spinning somewhere over Atlanta.
Zoeller became only the second player to win the Masters on his first try, joining Horton Smith, who won the inaugural tournament in 1934.
“I’m still on cloud nine and probably still will be for another three or four weeks,” Zoeller said. “There are so many people who would like to be in my position, so why shouldn’t I enjoy myself?”
Many years later, reflecting on that magical day, Zoeller said jokingly, “I’ve never been to heaven and, thinking back on my life, I probably won’t get a chance to go. I guess the Masters is as close as I’m going to get.”
Zoeller’s second major championship came at the 1984 U.S. Open at Winged Foot Golf Club. His performance left him tied with Greg Norman, setting up an 18-hole playoff. Zoeller dominated, shooting a 3-under 67 (the lowest 18-hole playoff score in U.S. Open history) to cruise to an eight-shot victory.
Zoeller won 10 times on the PGA TOUR and twice on PGA TOUR Champions. But his impact extended beyond his playing career. After retiring, Zoeller continued to support the sport, especially junior golf. In 2021, he arranged for his golf course, Covered Bridge Golf Club in Sellersburg, Indiana, to host The Fuzzy Zoeller Classic.
That commitment to the game, to the next generation, to giving players opportunities: that was Fuzzy Zoeller. He won major championships and made millions of dollars, but he never forgot where he came from or what it took to make it.
There haven’t been many players quite like Fuzzy Zoeller. The nickname, the personality, the putter toss at Augusta, the easy smile. He was one of a kind. He played the game with joy and humor, even when his back was hurting, even when the pressure was on, even when things weren’t going his way.
Commissioner Monahan got it right: Fuzzy was a true original. The game is better for having had him, and poorer for losing him. Rest in peace, Fuzzy. Thanks for the memories, the majors, and the reminder that golf is supposed to be fun.