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
Bethpage Black will host the 2025 Ryder Cup. Jole 5

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

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.

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

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.

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.