M. James Ward

Written by M. James Ward

A long-time member of both the GWAA and MGWA. The 68-year-old has covered all facets in golf since 1980 — including reporting on over 100 major championships and 13 Ryder Cup matches. His writings have appeared in various outlets. On a personal level, has played over 2,000 courses globally and is lead reviewer for Top 100 Golf Courses.  Previously served for 17 years as national course rating panelist for Golf Digest. Has also personally competed in USGA Championships. Resides in the metro New York City area with his wife Celeste. Favorite quote paraphrased for golf — "You are what your golf score says you are."
M. James Ward
Shane Lowry, Tommy Fleetwood, Robert MacIntyre, Rasmus Hojgaard, Tyrrell Hatton, Justin Rose, Captain Luke Donald, Jon Rahm, Sepp Straka, Matt Fitzpatrick, Ludvig Aberg, Rory McIlroy, and Viktor Hovland of Team Europe pose with the Ryder Cup after winning the 2025 Ryder Cup on the Black Course at Bethpage State Park

The memorable moments, the mystifying misfires Pt.1

Golf’s biggest newsmakers in 2025.

Alma Mater golf shoes

Eric Sarin interview

CEO and Co-Founder, Alma Mater Footwear

Black Jack's Crossing, Lajitas Golf Resort and Spa, Lajitas, TX Hole #13, 167 yd. Par 3

The Finicky Golfer – Lajitas Golf Resort

Lanny Wadkins’ dramatic design winds through rock canyons and dry washes.

Francis Byrne Golf Course #2 Drone

Grade “A” Architecture – Francis Byrne Golf Course

Located in West Orange, NJ — opened in 1928

Bridgestone Prototype golf ball

Adam Rehberg interview

Senior Marketing Manager, Bridgestone Golf

The Sea Pines Resort

The Finicky Golfer – Sea Pines Resort / Harbour Town Golf Links

A significant step in the evolution of American golf architecture.

Tom Wishon

Tom Wishon interview

Golf’s Equipment Guru Tees Off. What you think you know and what you actually need to know when purchasing clubs this holiday season.

Farm Neck Golf Club, Martha's Vineyard, MA - Hole15

Mark Mungeam interview

President of the American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA).

The Sea Pines Resort

Finding your golf recipe with Tim Cooke

Director of Instruction

Moss Creek Golf Club, South Course

Grade “A” Architecture – Moss Creek Golf Club

A 36-hole private facility located on Hilton Head Island, SC.

Jim Mclean interview

PGA of America 2025 Hall of Fame Inductee

Wild Dunes Harbor Course, Isle of Palms, South Carolina, USA

Grade “A” Architecture – Wild Dunes

Located in the greater Charleston area, it first opened in 1980.

Jekyll Island Golf Club, Great Dunes Course

The Finicky Golfer – Jekyll Island Golf Club

When Great Dunes opened in 1927, Jekyll Island was a private retreat for some of America’s most prominent wealthy families that is now available to…

Peter Broome interview

Former Acushnet / Titleist Senior Vice President.

Lightspeed Golf - Golf Course Management Software and POS

Fraser Marriott interview

Head of Golf Lightspeed

Great Dunes Course

Mark Williams interview

Executive Director, Jekyll Island Authority (JIA)

Precision Golf 1

Thomas Hackett interview

Co-Founder and CEO PLATFORM Golf, providers of cutting-edge training technology and immersive playing experiences.

Gary Player of South Africa plays his tee shot in the Honorary Starters ceremony prior to the first round of the 2024 Masters Tournament

Black Knight turns 90

With a will – there is a way.

Baltusrol Golf Club - Upper Course Hole 4

The “Finicky Golfer” – Baltusrol’s Upper Hand

A.W. Tillinghast design resurrected by Gil Hanse.

Bryson DeChambeau of Team United States hits his shot on the fifth hole during the 2025 Ryder Cup on the Black Course at Bethpage State Park

The Ryder Cup needs updating

Specific improvements can add even more thrills.