6 things in golf you might have missed over Christmas

Everyone needed a break after what became one of the most whirlwind years in golf history.

It was fitting of 2023 that the war between the PGA Tour and the Saudia Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF) has rolled on.

Some of the game’s biggest stars are moving on from old friends, too. See Jason Day and Tiger Woods for example.

So, while fans unwind ahead of another 365 days of unrelenting action and storylines, the ball keeps rolling on and off the course.

To keep you in the loop, here are six things that happened in golf you might have missed over Christmas…

• Rory McIlroy: I’d love LIV to become the IPL of golf

• Spotted! The 2024 equipment being used on tour

Patrick Cantlay doubles down on LIV Golf stance

It was quite the year for Patrick Cantlay in 2023.

PGA Tour leadership, slow-play accusations, a Ryder Cup bust-up and finally, LIV. And being at the centre of that rumour mill only intensified.

Cantlay has, however, told Golf.com: “I have no plans on joining LIV. I see myself playing on the PGA Tour.”

As well as claiming he has “declined offers”, Cantlay said: “It’s a personal calculation based on your values, your priorities, etc.

“So, I don’t think it’s a surprise that there’s a certain type of player that’s tended to go over there.”

Jason Day drops Nike for debut deal

Could Jason Day have dropped one of the biggest apparel hints of 2024? Without a doubt.

Not only has the major champion split with sports giant Nike, but the Australian has also become the first PGA Tour ambassador for Malbon Golf.

Day will wear the company’s threads beginning at The Sentry, the PGA Tour’s season-opener in Hawaii.

The 36-year-old, who had spent the previous seven years wearing Nike, said he has seen other golfers in ‘essentially the same outfit’, and is excited to wear something ‘dramatically different’.

And now, 15-time major champ Tiger Woods’ future with the brand looks in further doubt after a 27-year partnership.

New year means new gear.

Former Nike ambassador Jason Day will be the first Malbon ambassador on TOUR. pic.twitter.com/VDD2f4k79Y

— Sean Martin (@PGATOURSMartin) January 1, 2024

Harold Varner III arrested for driving while impaired

LIV golfer Harold Varner III was arrested last Thursday and held in custody after driving while impaired in North Carolina.

Court documents obtained by Charlotte’s WBTV news, stated that he was arrested “while subject to an impairing substance”.

Varner is said to have been twice the legal driving limit when tested by a breathalyser, registering a 0.16 blood alcohol concentration level and was released from the Mecklenburg County jail after his $500 bond was paid.

The 33-year-old is set to appear in court on January 19.

Framework agreement rolls on

Remember the deadline?

Well, it’s passed now. And still, we’re not really sure what’s changed. That is because the PGA Tour, DP World Tour and PIF have agreed to extend the deadline for their ‘merger’.

Initially, the deal – which was announced on June 6 – was to be completed by December 31, but pGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan has issued a memo to players.

It read that discussions are “active and productive”, which “will allow us to unify, innovate and invest in the game for the benefit of the players, fans and sponsors.”

If all deals are completed, Strategic Sports Group, PIF and DP World Tour would be “minority co-investors” in PGA Tour Enterprises in 2024.

• Viktor Hovland: PGA Tour to blame for LIV Golf exodus

• OWGR announces two big changes to world ranking system

Jon Rahm scoops player of the year award despite LIV move

Masters champion Jon Rahm has been recognised as the male player of the year for 2023 by the Golf Writers Association of America.

As well as becoming the new face of LIV Golf, Rahm won four times on the PGA Tour including The Masters.

The Sentry, the American Express Championship and the Genesis Invitational kicked off a stunning year for the Spaniard before his second major triumph in April.

He received 49% of votes, finishing ahead of Viktor Hovland (33%) and Scottie Scheffler (18%) and will be honoured ahead of the Masters on April 10.

Ian Poulter causes caddie conveyor belt

Without knowing, Ian Poulter has left a PGA Tour star caddie-less.

Cameron Young has been spotted at the Sentry in Hawaii with Wayne de Haas on the bag after parting ways with Paul Tesori last week.

Young was left on the hunt for a bagsman after Tesori teamed up with Brendan Todd, who had his caddie taken by Poulter.

The English LIV Golf rebel will now move into the 2024 season with David Clarke on his bag.