M. James Ward

Written by M. James Ward

A long-time member of both the GWAA and MGWA. The 67-year-old has covered all facets in golf since 1980 — including reporting on over 100 major championships and 12 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
Great Dunes Course

Mark Williams interview

M. James Ward|November 16, 2025|Interview, Rest of the World

Executive Director, Jekyll Island Authority (JIA)

Precision Golf 1

Thomas Hackett interview

M. James Ward|November 5, 2025|Interview, Pro Shop

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

M. James Ward|October 31, 2025|Golf History, News

With a will – there is a way.

Baltusrol Golf Club - Upper Course Hole 4

“The Finicky Golfer” – Baltusrol’s Upper Hand

M. James Ward|October 24, 2025|Architecture, Rest of the World

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

M. James Ward|October 2, 2025|Opinion

Specific improvements can add even more thrills.

Ludvig Åberg of Team Europe hits his tee shot on the first hole of the Black Course during the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage State Park

The Captains for the ’27 Ryder Cup will be?

M. James Ward|October 1, 2025|Ryder Cup

Tiger Woods and Justin Rose look probable, but nothing certain.

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

Europe retains Ryder Cup, USA valiant comeback fails

M. James Ward|September 30, 2025|Ryder Cup

Lowry secures crucial half-point with birdie at final hole

Caddie Andrew Sanders with Russell Henley and Scottie Scheffler of Team United States on the second hole tee box during the 2025 Ryder Cup on the Black Course at Bethpage State Park

Euro euphoria = American angst

M. James Ward|September 28, 2025|Ryder Cup, Uncategorized

Will dominance demonstrated continue on final day?

Bethpage Black will host the 2025 Ryder Cup. Jole 5

Bethpage Bound

M. James Ward|September 27, 2025|Opinion

Yesterday, today and tomorrow.

Gary Woodland, Keegan Bradley and Scottie Scheffler of Team United States watch on the 17th hole of the Black Course

Euros win both opening sessions, lead 5½ to 2½ 

M. James Ward|September 27, 2025|Ryder Cup

American stalwarts Scheffler and DeChambeau come up empty

A general view from the grandstand as Jon Rahm of Team Europe hits his tee shot on the first hole during the 2025 Ryder Cup on the Black Course at Bethpage State Park

Deja vu for Euros after morning foursomes

M. James Ward|September 26, 2025|Ryder Cup

USA eeks out single victory in anchor match but trails 3-1

The Ryder Cup trophy in the player interview area during the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage State Park

Opening foursomes matches announced

M. James Ward|September 26, 2025|Ryder Cup

Emotions for both teams run high with first contest.

(L-R Back Row) Asterisk Talley, Rayee Feng, Lily Peng, Giuseppe Puebla, Hamilton Coleman, Lunden Esterline, (L-R Middle Row) Zoe Cusack, Tyler Mawhinney, Miles Russell, Luke Colton, (L-R Front Row) Amelie Zalsman, and Anna Fang of Team United States stand for a photo with the 2025 Junior Ryder Cup Trophy at the Closing Ceremonies during the 2025 Junior Ryder Cup at Nassau Country Club

USA team claims Junior Ryder Cup match

M. James Ward|September 26, 2025|Ryder Cup

Down early in singles matches, rallies for five-point win.

Bethpage Black will host the 2025 Ryder Cup

Behind the Architectural Curtain – Rees Jones assesses Bethpage Black

M. James Ward|September 24, 2025|Architecture, Ryder Cup

2025 Ryder Cup

A Ryder Cup tee box marker is displayed at a practice round during the 2025 Junior Ryder Cup at Nassau Country Club

Suzy Whaley interview

M. James Ward|September 24, 2025|Interview, Ryder Cup

US Junior Ryder Cup Captain. 13th Junior Ryder Cup, September 23-25

Mike Attara, Spirit Golf Management

Mike Attara interview

M. James Ward|September 2, 2025|Interview

Founder & President, Spirit Golf Management

The 2025 Team USA Ryder Cup captain, Keegan Bradley during the 2025 Ryder Cup Captain’s Announcement

Bradley announces six captain’s picks for team USA — leaves himself off

M. James Ward|August 27, 2025|Ryder Cup

Decision made several weeks prior, seeks team win over individual needs.

Upper Montclair CC Hole 3 / South Nine

Grade “A” Architecture – Upper Montclair CC

M. James Ward|August 27, 2025|Architecture

The original A. W. Tillinghast layout was altered by Robert Trent Jones, Sr. in 1956.

Upper Course Hole 14

Grade “A” Architecture – Baltusrol Golf Club

M. James Ward|August 5, 2025|Architecture

The New-Jersey based club has hosted seven US Opens and two PGA Championships.

Royal Porthcawl GC drone shot over second hole

Grade “A” Architecture – Royal Porthcawl

M. James Ward|August 3, 2025|Architecture

Founded in 1891, the layout has been extensively modified over the years.