Golf Analysis and Explainers
How the cut works, what the rankings measure and what decided the majors — purses, points and the numbers behind the leaderboard.
More Than Half of Golf's Majors Since 2000 Went to a First-Time Winner
Since 2000, first-time winners have taken 57 of 107 men's golf majors, 53 percent, and 18 of 27 U.S. Opens. Their ages, who won again and 2026's champions.
Home Teams Have Won 15 of the Last 23 Ryder Cups
Since 1979 the home team has won 15 of 23 Ryder Cups, lost seven and tied one. Every result, how the two-day leaders fared, the Sunday comebacks and 2027.
A Major Takes About 9 Under Par to Win, Unless It Is the U.S. Open
Men's majors since 2000 were won at 9.3 under par on average and the U.S. Open at 4.6 under. Every winning score, the cut line and playoffs, 2000 to 2026.
A 54-Hole Lead in a Major Holds About Six Times in Ten
Since 2000 the 54-hole leader or a co-leader has won 64 of 107 men's majors, 60 percent. How the size of the lead changes that, the biggest comebacks and 2026.
Everything golf on Vertize Sports
The tournament leaderboard through the weekend and the full tour schedule, across the PGA Tour, the LPGA and the DP World Tour.