Sponsored by

Publication by EssentiallySports

June 29, 2026 | Edition #325

👋 {{readername | Hey, golf fans}},

We have a new major champion. Haeran Ryu made history at Hazeltine by winning the KPMG Women's PGA Championship. Meanwhile, at TPC River Highlands, 72 holes couldn’t settle it for Scottie Scheffler and Viktor Hovland. After both finished at 21 under, they’re returning today for a Monday playoff. We’ll share updates as they come. Today, we’ll look at Ryu’s victory, winners from DPWT, LET, Collin Morikawa’s high-five with Bennett Scheffler, and some behind-the-scenes moments.

Let’s get started…


The stakes for Haeran Ryu (-13/1st) were high. Just a month ago, she underwent back surgery. Then, odds gave Ryu just a 0.2 percent chance of winning this week. An opening round of 73 and her 10-shot deficit made the task seem Herculean. But Ryu was chasing dreams.

She began Sunday with a one‑shot lead over Brooke Henderson (–10/T3) and Ina Yoon (–11/2nd). But when play resumed after a 3.5‑hour weather delay, Ryu wobbled with three bogeys across her first five holes. A pair of birdies steadied her, but six players sat within three strokes of the lead.

But Ryu made four birdies between the seventh and 12th, and with three holes remaining, she held a three‑shot cushion. On the 18th, she saved par to seal a two-shot victory over Ina Yoon.

Ryu became only the second player in major history to erase a 10‑shot opening‑round deficit and the first to do it since Carol Mann in 1964. She is the sixth South Korean winner in this championship over the past 12 editions.

Meanwhile, Dewi Weber (–10/T3) delivered the best major finish ever by a Dutch player. World No. 1 Nelly Korda (–6) tied for eighth, finishing level with World No. 2 Jeeno Thitikul (–6).


Trade the World Cup with Lower Fees

Soccer's biggest tournament isn't just something to watch — it's something to trade.

On Liquid, you can buy and sell prediction markets tied to the World Cup's biggest moments alongside equities, commodities, futures, and more. Any market, 24/7.

Every injury update, lineup leak, tactical shift, and breaking headline can move the market before kickoff even begins. React in real time. Back your convictions. And hedge your exposure as the story changes.

While everyone else is refreshing scores and arguing online, you can turn your edge into a position. Liquid gives you a market built for those positions — with more markets and lower fees than the competition, so more of your upside stays yours.

Start trading on Liquid today and see if your soccer instincts can outperform the crowd.

Things couldn’t get wilder than on Sunday.

Respect: When Scottie made the final putt on the 18th to force a Monday playoff, the gallery erupted in a "USA! USA!" chant, as you can see here. Collin Morikawa (-20/3rd) was watching from the scoring arena and later stepped out to congratulate Scottie. And spotted his son. Morikawa leaned in and shared an utterly charming moment with Bennett—watch it here.

Curious: Angel Ayora (–16/5th) lifted the divot, used it to wipe his club, and then… smelled it. Watch the strange video here, with Ayora explaining why he did what he did.

Dog’s day: A fan took in the Travelers alongside his furry friend, and PGA Tour cameras caught a sweet moment between the dog and his human. Elsewhere, another man tried to teach his dog Scottie’s footwork. You can watch it here (the pup didn’t look super impressed with Scheffler’s swing).

Elsewhere

Who Do You Think Will Win the Monday Playoff at Travelers Championship?

Login or Subscribe to participate


Last Poll Result: 51.01% of you said the PGA Tour wasn’t right to make an exception for Rory McIlroy. Here’s what your fellow readers believe.

The other winners you should know about.

Dick’s Open: Dicky Pride edged Padraig Harrington in a playoff to claim his second PGA Tour Champions title. Michael Block (T9/-13) stole the show on Saturday but then collapsed on the 72nd hole with a triple bogey. Check it out here.

Italian Open: Eugenio Chacarra fired a 7-under 64 to finish at 24-under and romp to a five-shot win over Matt Wallace (2nd/-19). It’s his second consecutive DP World Tour title and third national open win after his Hero Indian Open and KLM Open victories. It also earned him his debut in The Open. Check out the eagle that truly separated him from the field.

Czech Ladies Open: Noora Komulainen (-18/1st) finally broke through in her 199th start, winning in a playoff over Justice Bosio and Lisa Pettersson to claim her maiden title. Her 14-year wait ended when a par on the extra hole sealed it. And she got to celebrate it with her toddler—check out the adorable moment here.


You've watched the tournaments. You've followed the drama. Now it's time for the ultimate test. Choose between two quiz formats:

  • Classic Quiz: Can you tell how many tournaments Rory played this season? Or, Nelly's first-round score? Test yourself on the biggest stories from today.

  • Limitless Trivia: From majors and records to iconic courses and legendary players, this is where golf nerds can truly shine.

This is your chance to prove that all those hours spent watching golf, reading golf, and talking about golf weren't purely recreational.


Thank you for reading this edition of Essentially Golf.

We’re curious to know your thoughts and welcome your suggestions. Your honest answer helps us write stories you actually want to read and not what we assume you do. So let us know in the comments below.

Did You Enjoy Today’s Newsletter?

Login or Subscribe to participate

Never miss out on any more fresh Essentially Golf updates. Just Click Here!

Keep Reading