When the Calgary Flames’ Devin Cooley discussed his 34-save effort to beat the reigning Stanley Cup champion Carolina Hurricanes on Sunday, he credited his ability to quiet his conscious mind. “I have to let my unconscious brain do the work because it reacts a lot quicker,” Cooley said. “What happens is when I have a more conscious brain goalie, I can’t react in time and then I’m slow and I’m behind the play and then I give up seven goals.” Many of us recognize a similar dynamic when we “overthink” on the golf course; we’re usually better when relying on our athletic instincts in the moment. But experts say simply turning off one’s brain isn’t really an option in such a slow-moving sport like golf. What you can do is redirect your thoughts into something that might be more helpful, as I discussed in my Mind Games video about the time-honored golf cliche, “taking it one shot at a time.”

Seven of the top 10 players on the World Ranking, including World No. 1 and two-time winner Scottie Scheffler, Cameron Young, Matt Fitzpatrick and Xander Schauffele, are set to compete in the 20-player field at Albany in The Bahamas, Dec. 3-6. Missing are Rory McIlroy, Wyndham Clark and Tommy Fleetwood. Also not listed: Tiger himself. Perhaps that’s no surprise, given he hasn’t competed in this event since 2023 and in any tournament since the 2024 Open Championship. But recent video of him on the range at the TW Invitational at Monterey Peninsula C.C. suggests he’s making progress with his game. There remain three “tournament exemption” spots to be filled, perhaps one being held for Woods if he decides he’s ready to get back inside the ropes. A less intense return could come a week later at the PNC Championship, where he could play once again with his son Charlie in a two-day team event.

2026 HERO WORLD CHALLENGE FIELD
Name (Official World Golf Ranking as of 8/31/26 eligibility date)
Scottie Scheffler (1)
Cameron Young (3)
Matt Fitzpatrick (4)
Russell Henley (6)
Chris Gotterup (7)
Sam Burns (9)
Xander Schauffele (10)
Si Woo Kim (13)
J.J. Spaun (17)
Robert MacIntyre (18)
Justin Thomas (21)
Ryan Gerard (22)
Hideki Matsuyama (26)
Jacob Bridgeman (28)
Tom Kim (30)
Sepp Straka (32)
Akshay Bhatia (33)
TBA tournament exemption
TBA tournament exemption
TBA tournament exemption

The Spaniard holds the lead of the DP World Tour’s India Championship, but faces playing 25 holes on Sunday because the tournament has been delayed by weather and darkness. Chacarra will resume his third round of the 12th hole while holding a two-shot lead, and then hopefully get in all 18 holes of the fourth round.

Two weeks ago, the 26-year-old broke his toe in the middle of the night while getting water, and though limping noticeably, he toughed out an impressive T-2 finish in his home Spanish Open. Already a two-time winner this year, Chacarra is second in the DPWT’s Race to Dubai standings and has a big chance to overtake No. 1 Patrick Reed, who is 22nd with 23 holes to finish.

The Spaniard and his wife Kelley Cahill welcomed a girl, Begonia, this week, with Rahm announcing the birth on social media Friday. "Momma and baby are doing great, and we’re soaking up every moment as a family of six," he wrote on Instagram. The Rahms’ first child, son Kepa, was born in April 2021, followed by another boy, Eneko, in August 2022 and daughter Alaia in September 2024.

It’s been quite the week for Rahm, who reached an agreement to separate from LIV Golf, while forfeiting $7.5 million that the bankrupt league owed him. He has been welcomed back to the DP World Tour and is set to return from paternity leave and play in the Abu Dhabi Championship that begins on Nov. 5.

We all have a favorite snack we like to grab each time we stop to fill the tank and, um, empty the tank if you know I mean. For me, it's honey mustard pretzels (Dots if they got 'em) and a Diet Dr. Pepper. Whatever your personal poison, however, the gas station snack run is a universal human experience ... or so I thought. On Thursday, a clip went viral of two-time major champion (and one-time Ryder Cup villain) Zach Johnson being asked about his favorite pit-stop pickup, and, well, let's just say his answer was very on brand.

"Say that again??" Johnson says as if he was just asked for his thoughts on the existence of extra-terrestrial life. The poor guy interviewing him repeats his query, to which Johnson proudly(?) replies, "I don't get snacks at gas stations."

No trail mix. No Poland Spring. Nothing, nada, zilch. It seems like a strange flex to us, but for Johnson it's a badge of honor. Masters winner, Champion Golfer of the Year and the last of the road-trip raw doggers. Put it on the mantle.