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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

McIlroy’s misfire

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

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.

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.

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.

The clubhouse at TPC River Highlands

The Travelers: Golf’s go to event

M. James Ward outlines the rise of Connecticut’s PGA Tour event and how a strict attention to details has proven to be a bonanza for…

Bryson DeChambeau holds the US Open trophy in the bunker from which he made the winning par at the US Open at Pinehurst

Bryson’s renaissance at Pinehurst

M. James Ward outlines how the “new” DeChambeau is a fan favorite and how his stirring final par to edge out Rory McIlroy is just…

Rory Mcilroy

Major McIlroy meltdown

M. James Ward outlines how Rory’s story just got more complicated and if the talented player can recover from the Pinehurst implosion.

Bryson DeChambeau is leading heading into the final round of the US Open

Is Bryson bound? 2nd US Open in reach

M. James Ward examines the remarkable turnaround from previous enigma to fan favorite now with a win at Pinehurst firmly in sight.

The fifth hole at Pinehurst No.2 - US Open 2024

Fear factor flourishing at Pinehurst No.2

M. James Ward outlines how precision has returned to this year’s US Open and how mental anguish will impact the contenders this weekend.

Tiger Woods

Memo to Tiger – There is no tomorrow

M. James Ward outlines the reality of what Woods faces and the tight rope he walks between being hopeful and hopeless.

Ludvig Åberg finished the opening round of the US Open in third place.

Ludvig lurking

M. James Ward assesses the emergence of golf’s next generation and whether a Swede can win the grand prize this week at Pinehurst.

Patrick Cantlay

Can “Paddy Ice” heat up at US Open?

M. James Ward assesses the underachievement to date of Patrick Cantlay in the major championships.

Scottie Scheffler hopes to secure his first-ever FedEx Cup title at the Tour Championship.

Will big four continue solid play at Pinehurst?

M. James Ward outlines the consistency of Scheffler, Schauffele, Morikawa and DeChambeau and whether the foursome will materialize again down the stretch at this year’s…

US Open Trophy

The greatest non-winners of the US Open

M. James Ward outlines the most talented players who failed to claim the coveted US Open Golf Championship.

Nick Taylor, second from left, of Canada, reacts after winning the Canadian Open golf tournament on the fourth playoff hole

The Forgotten Open

M. James Ward examines how the Canadian Open went from one of the most prestigious championships to a far lesser role and is now seeking…

USGA / R&A - Head-scratching hiccups - Rollback

Head-scratching hiccups, the USGA, R&A flip-flop

M. James Ward examines why rule-making organisations failed to act in a timely manner and then abandoned an initial rollback solution more suitable for recreational…

Scottie Scheffler celebrates after a birdie on the 18th hole gave him a one-shot lead after 54 holes of the Masters

Scheffler still sizzling, PGA Championship looming

After winning the RBC following a second Masters triumph, M. James Ward outlines the monster year now in motion for the firmly entrenched number one…

Scottie Scheffler holds the trophy after winning the Masters golf tournament

Scheffler’s seismic shock waves

Golf’s sheriff reinforced his position as the game’s best. M. James Ward reviews what lies ahead for the two-time Masters champion and can the competition…

The Masters

Grades at the 88th Masters

The first major of the year produced an interesting mixture of highs and lows. M. James Ward assigns grades across the board from this year’s…

The RSM Classic 2023 R2

How Swede it is!

The name Ludvig Åberg may not be recognized as an up and coming pro golfer — just yet. M. James Ward reviews the near stunning play of…