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

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.

Scottie Scheffler of the United States reacts on the seventh green during Day Four of The 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush Golf Club

How high will “Superman” Scheffler soar?

M. James Ward|July 23, 2025|Opinion

Forecasts face fickle future.

Scottie Scheffler of the United States celebrates victory on the 18th green on Day Four of The 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush Golf Club

Open and shut case for Superman Scheffler

M. James Ward|July 21, 2025|DP World Tour, PGA Tour, The Majors

Captures Claret Jug, wins second major in 2025 by four shots.

Scottie Scheffler of the United States looks on following his second shot on the fourth hole during Day Three of The 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush Golf Club

Scheffler’s successful game plan? Bogey avoidance.

M. James Ward|July 20, 2025|DP World Tour, PGA Tour, The Majors

Heads into final round with four-shot lead at Royal Portrush.

Scottie Scheffler of the United States plays his second shot on the second hole during Day Two of The 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush Golf Club

Scheffler simply superb, has lead at halfway point in Open Championship

M. James Ward|July 19, 2025|DP World Tour, PGA Tour, The Majors, The Open

Second round 64 jettisons world number one.

Scottie Scheffler of the United States walks during Day One of The 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush Golf Club

Scheffler’s Houdini Act Prevails

M. James Ward|July 18, 2025|DP World Tour, PGA Tour, The Majors, The Open

World’s best one shot behind five-way tie at the top at Royal Portrush.

152nd Open Championship to be played at Royal Troon in 2023

How a mulligan might have mattered

M. James Ward|July 17, 2025|Golf History, The Open

Memorable Open Championship miscues.

A detailed view of a tee marker prior to The 153rd Open

The Open Championship Fact Sheet

M. James Ward|July 17, 2025|Golf History, The Open, Trivia

Locations & records.

The Flitcroft Film - Open

Behind the Architectural Curtain – Royal Portrush (Dunluce)

M. James Ward|July 16, 2025|Architecture, The Open

2025 Open Championship.

Tiger Woods: Winning 2006 Open at Royal Liverpool ‘most gratifying’ of my titles

When Woods became the TIGER

M. James Ward|July 15, 2025|Golf History, The Open

25 years ago — the 2000 Open at St. Andrews