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
Left to right — Jimmy Roberts, NBC-Sports and Golf Channel; Michelle Wie West, Mizuho Americas Open Brand Ambassador and Tournament Host; Gianna Clemente, AJGA Invitee for 2025 event. - Women's pro golf -- is lasting liftoff likely?

Women’s pro golf — is lasting liftoff likely?

Miles driven, miles to go.

Jon Rahm

Rahm’s reckoning revealed 

Former world number one now Masters bystander.

Man watering a golf course

Drip by drip – golf’s pending water crisis

Uncertain future, mounting challenges lie ahead.

Tiger Woods endured a frustrating first day at the Open

Tiger’s time terminated

When there is doubt – there is no doubt

Hideki Matsuyama of Japan reacts on the eighth green during the final round of The Sentry 2025 at Plantation Course at Kapalua Golf Club

Japan’s rising son

Matsuyama’s magical moment at Kapalua produced the lowest score in relation to par for a 72-hole PGA Tour event.

Bethpage Black will host the 2025 Ryder Cup

Christmas presents come early for USA Ryder Cup members

Bethpage bound – “It’s all about bucks, kid, the rest is conversation.”

Marco Simone Golf and Country Club staged this year's Ryder Cup (Zac Goodwin/PA)

25 questions needing answers in 2025 Pt.3

A new golf year means intriguing possibilities, clear challenges and perilous possible pitfalls.

Jon Rahm

25 questions needing answers in 2025 Pt.2

A new golf year means intriguing possibilities, clear challenges and perilous possible pitfalls.

Royal Portrush

25 questions needing answers in 2025 Pt.1

A new golf year means intriguing possibilities, clear challenges and perilous possible pitfalls

AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am update

Is Golf’s Titanic Looming Ahead?

The coming ball rollback features many implications – will smooth sailing or iceberg filled waters await?

Tom Fazio Member Event | 2024

Fabulous Fazio, nearly 80-years-young, still going strong

Revolutionized golf architecture in reaping mega-dollars for clients and creating an array of visually appealing courses captivating players.

Captain, Keegan Bradley of team USA and Captain, Luke Donald of team Europe during the Ryder Cup Year to Go at The Times Center

2025 Ryder Cup – questions abound, answers evolving

Captains Keegan Bradley and Luke Donald will lead the respective teams. M. James Ward outlines the key topics ahead.

People play golf at the Imperatrice golf course in Biarritz, southwestern France

You’re a golfer – right? Well, not exactly.

The sport has seen a clear uptick in interest. Do you simply play golf or merit the more prestigious tagline – golfer?

Rory McIlroy looks quizzical in a pre-tournament press conference

What’s the story with Rory?

Stuck on four major wins since 2014. A decade later the mystifying misfires are multiplying.

PGA Tour and LIV aim for marriage, hurdles to clear remain significant

Discussions ramped up last week in New York but is the pathway ahead promising or a sure highway to hell?

USA’s Scottie Scheffler holds his gold medal after winning the Paris 20204 Olympic golf tournament

Superman Scheffler soaring – transcending Tiger?

The 2024 PGA Tour season showcased a clear separation for the world-ranked number one and those seeking to chase him down.

Tiger, Tiger His life, as it's never been told before - Book cover

Tiger, Tiger – His life, as it’s never been told before

James Patterson book review

Tour Championship R2 - Koepka holds one-shot lead

Fantastic Finish? Not Exactly.

Can a convoluted system truly bring a satisfactory conclusion to the PGA Tour season?

Metedeconk National Golf Club

Looking to escape the shadows and emerge

M. James Ward examines the quest to reach golf’s promised land and the heartache for those failing to do so.

Nelly Korda plays a tee shot on the third hole during the first round of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games at Le Golf National

Whoa Nelly! Can Korda regain form in Paris with repeat gold?

M. James Ward examines how the top-ranked female golfer is attempting to resurrect early season form with a return to Olympic stardom.