M. James Ward

Written by M. James Ward

A GWAA and MGWA member, the 66-year-old from the USA has covered golf in all facets since 1980, notably the major championships and other high level events. He has played over 2,000 courses globally and has competed in USGA Championships.
M. James Ward
A view from behind the green on the 469 yards par 4, 18th hole (L) with the 404 yards par 4, 15th hole (R) on the Albatross Course at Le Golf National, host of the 2024 Paris Olympics

Grade “A” Architecture – Le Golf National

2024 Paris Summer Olympics, Men’s golf competition

Tee marker signal on course prior to the 2024 Paris Olympic Games at Le Golf National

Is golf a gold medal Olympic fit?

The Paris Games features a 3rd edition golf competition on both the men’s and women’s side. M. James Ward examines if the inclusion in the…

The Claret Jug is displayed during previews for The 152nd Open Championship at Royal Troon Golf Club

The 152nd Open – memories made, lasting leaves

M. James Ward outlines the central storylines from this year’s final major championship and the ripples cast going forward.

Top 10 performances in golf’s major championships

The five best modern Open championship players

M. James Ward outlines the greatest champions of links golf since World War II

Xander Schauffele of the United States kisses the Claret Jug on the 18th green in celebration of victory on day four of The 152nd Open championship at Royal Troon on July 21, 2024

“X” marks the spot – again

M. James Ward reviews the progression of Xander Schauffele and how his second major win at The Open Championship could be the crucial lift-off for…

FedEx Cup Standings

FedEx Cup Standings 29/2024

Week 29 – 21/07/2024

The Claret Jug is displayed during previews for The 152nd Open Championship at Royal Troon Golf Club on February 26, 2024

Weather the leader at this year’s Open!

M. James Ward reviews the split personality Royal Troon displayed during Saturday’s 3rd round and the fight for your life drama that swallowed up the…

Shane Lowry of Ireland tees off on the third hole on day two of The 152nd Open championship at Royal Troon on July 19, 2024

Luck of the Irish for Lowry

The glint in the eye from the 2019 Open champion is present. M. James Ward reviews Shane’s surge and the test ahead.

Tiger Woods of the United States acknowledges the crowd following his round on the 18th green on day two of The 152nd Open championship at Royal Troon

Tiger’s torment – now ours

M. James Ward reviews the continued ineffectual play of the 15-time major champion and why the prognosis is hardly promising.

Daniel who?

M. James Ward outlines how the weather for the 1st round of The Open was not the only surprising matter of note.

Justin Thomas of the United States tees off on the 16th hole during a practice round prior to The 152nd Open championship at Royal Troon on July 15, 2024

Justin time?

M. James Ward reviews the emergence of the two-time major champion and whether the progress made will be sustained.

McIlroy’s misfire

M. James Ward delves into the confounding play of the four-time major winner and the ongoing major-less slump

The most impactful Opens since World War II

M. James Ward lists the ten key events that shaped golf’s oldest major and the lasting significance each provided.

Ludvig Aberg of Sweden speaks in a press conference prior to The 152nd Open championship at Royal Troon on July 15, 2024 in Troon, Scotland.

Ludvig’s lessons

M. James Ward analyzes the emerging Swedish golfer and the lessons he must learn from his final round hiccups.

Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland speaks to the media during a press conference prior to The 152nd Open championship at Royal Troon

McIlroy’s mission, mind over matter

M. James Ward examines the ongoing saga of the world’s second ranked player. How an Open victory provides the needed impetus to bury the past…

The Claret Jug

Behind the Architectural Curtain – Royal Troon Golf Club

152nd Open Championship

The Lore of the Links

M. James Ward outlines the roots of the game and how The Open is the critical connector to past, present and future.

Arnold Palmer

How Arnie’s arrival prompted The Open’s return?

M. James Ward assesses how Palmer’s record setting win at Troon in 1962 set in motion the ascension of golf’s oldest major event.

TROON, SCOTLAND - AUGUST 17: A general view of the par 3, eighth hole Postage Stamp at Royal Troon on 2024 in Troon, Scotland.

Proper postage preferred

M. James Ward reviews the tantalizing terror of Troon’s famous short hole and the pressures facing those competing to capture the famed Claret Jug.

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

Can Clark Kent become Superman at Bethpage?

M. James Ward examines the new USA Ryder Cup captain and what lies ahead for Keegan Bradley.