Planet Golf News - February 1, 2024

Everything you need to know for first round of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. [golfweek.usatoday.com]

The AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am golf tournament is gaining a "major championship feel" this year, with an elevated status and a strong field including top-ranked players. Jordan Spieth, a previous winner of the event, expressed excitement about the high-caliber competition and the potential for an exciting finish. The tournament has traditionally been overshadowed by scheduling conflicts and the participation of amateur golfers, but this year's event is expected to be one of the best yet. [sbnation.com]

The AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am golf tournament in Pebble Beach, California, features a smaller field of elite players and extreme weather conditions. The tournament has a $20 million purse and attracts top players like Jordan Spieth, Rory McIlroy, and Tony Finau. While the event usually includes celebrities, this year it mainly consists of corporate guests and athletes. The challenging weather conditions and strong field make it an exciting and highly anticipated tournament. [newsday.com]

Gareth Bale's tee times for the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am have been confirmed. The former footballer will be competing alongside professionals in the tournament, and he has been paired with American Joseph Bramlett. Bale will tee off at 4:30pm at Spyglass Hill on Thursday, February 2, and will also play at the Monterey Peninsula course and Pebble Beach. The top 20 Pro-Am teams will advance to Sunday's final round. [express.co.uk]

The AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am golf tournament has undergone changes, including a reduced celebrity field and an enhanced purse, attracting a star-studded lineup of top PGA golfers. The new format aims to create a different vibe and cater to golf purists, with the focus shifting to the best players on the tour. The changes have generated buzz and increased ticket sales, while also doubling the charitable contributions. [mercurynews.com]

Rory McIlroy is the 15-2 favorite for the 2024 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, with Scottie Scheffler, Viktor Hovland, and Xander Schauffele following close behind. Despite Scheffler's world No. 1 ranking, expert Sia Nejad is not backing him due to his ongoing struggles with putting. Instead, Nejad is supporting Justin Thomas, who has had four consecutive top-five finishes worldwide and is listed at +2500. Nejad has also backed several longshots, including a player priced higher than 75-1. [cbssports.com]

Rory McIlroy is set to make his PGA Tour season debut at Pebble Beach Pro-Am, joining a top-class field of 80 players. The tournament features a revamped format, with only Pebble Beach and Spyglass Hill being used. Despite not having a strong track record at Pebble Beach, McIlroy's recent consistency makes him the favorite. Seamus Power, another Irish golfer, will also be participating. The weather, particularly rain and wind, may play a role in the tournament, with potential disruptions and a Monday finish. [irishgolfer.ie]

The 2024 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am is set to take place with top players competing on the Pebble Beach Golf Links and Spyglass Hill Golf Course. The tournament will feature a pro-am format where professionals will be paired with amateurs for the first two days. The event guarantees all 80 professionals to make it to the weekend. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler will make his tournament debut, while Rory McIlroy and Viktor Hovland also aim for success. The tournament will be broadcasted on Golf Channel, CBS, and PGA Tour Live. [cbssports.com]

Let’s gamble! Maybe. [pgatour.com]

The 2024 Pebble Beach Pro-Am will feature a smaller and more elite field with only 80 pros. The tournament will be held on Pebble Beach Golf Links and Spyglass Hill, and the amateur portion will end on Friday. The handicaps of the amateurs range from 0 to 10, with notable participants including Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers, Larry Fitzgerald Jr., and Pau Gasol. [golf.com]

For the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am 2024, experts predict potential winners including Justin Thomas, Byeong Hun An, Collin Morikawa, Max Homa, and Viktor Hovland. Dark horse contenders include Nicolai Hojgaard, Kurt Kitayama, J.T. Poston, Denny McCarthy, Chris Kirk, and Sahith Theegala. Players to avoid include Sungjae Im, Rory McIlroy, Patrick Cantlay, and Collin Morikawa. Top 10 picks include Tony Finau, Nick Taylor, Tommy Fleetwood, Nicolai Hojgaard, and Brendon Todd. [golfdigest.com]

The 2024 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am is set to begin with a field of 80 players, including top contenders Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy. The tournament offers a total purse of $20 million, with the winner taking home $3.6 million. PGA expert Mike McClure has provided his one and done picks and predictions for the event, favoring Scheffler as one of his top choices. McClure's picks have been successful in the past, including Max Homa's victory at the 2023 Farmers Insurance Open. To get McClure's full analysis and picks, visit the provided link. [cbssports.com]

Rory McIlroy, a 24-time PGA Tour winner, is set to make his season debut at the 2024 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, where he is the 15-2 favorite. However, predictions suggest he may struggle and barely make the top five due to his past performance at Pebble Beach. Patrick Cantlay, an eight-time PGA Tour winner, is predicted to make a strong run at the title despite 20-1 odds. The predictions are based on simulations by SportsLine's proprietary model, which has successfully predicted outcomes of previous tournaments. [cbssports.com]

Tony Finau amazed spectators at Pebble Beach's par-3 7th hole by using a driver in gale-force winds during the final practice round for the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. Despite the hole being just 106 yards, Finau's shot carried 256 yards due to the strong wind, registering a ball speed of 172 mph. Other players, like Justin Thomas, also struggled with the challenging conditions. The forecast predicts calmer winds for the tournament, but Sunday may bring even worse conditions. [golfdigest.com]

The LIV Golf Mayakoba team power rankings are provided for the upcoming tournament. The top-ranked team is TORQUE GC, followed by 4ACES GC, SMASH GC, STINGER GC, and CRUSHERS GC. Each team's lineup and predicted order of finish for the individuals are also mentioned. [livgolf.com]

LIV Golf Mayakoba is set to kick off with a larger field size of 54 players and new-look teams. Notable debuts include Jon Rahm's expansion team, Legion XIII, and Adrian Meronk joining Martin Kaymer's Cleeks GC. Defending champions, Crushers GC, led by Bryson DeChambeau, will face competition from teams like 4 Aces, Fireballs, and HyFlyers. The tournament will take place at El Camaleon at Mayakoba in Mexico with a purse of $25 million. Viewers can watch the event on the CW Network and App. [cbssports.com]

LIV Golf begins its 2024 season with uncertainty surrounding its future due to ongoing merger talks with the PGA Tour and its Saudi backers. Reigning Masters champion Jon Rahm joins LIV Golf as a new star, adding to the pressure to finalize the merger agreement. While talks continue, LIV Golf focuses on its 14-event campaign, with major championships being the only place where LIV and PGA stars compete against each other. The future of LIV Golf remains uncertain as both sides compete for fans and negotiations continue. [france24.com]

Key takeaways from Jon Rahm's first LIV Golf press conference include Rory McIlroy's supportive comments, the teams to beat in the LIV Golf league, Rahm's familiarity with teammate Caleb Surratt, his close connection with Tyrrell Hatton, and his approach to captaincy. [golfmonthly.com]

The 2024 LIV Golf League season is about to start, with notable additions including Jon Rahm and his team Legion XIII. Other teams have made new signings, and there have been player transfers as well. The season will feature 12 regular events, an individual championship, and a team championship. Wildcard spots have been added for individual prizes. The document provides a list of teams, players, and captains for the 2024 season. [golfmagic.com]

The PGA Tour and Strategic Sports Group have announced a $3 billion deal that transforms players into equity holders. The investment will be given to a pool of players, with highly-ranked players receiving more. The partnership has received positive reactions from PGA Tour officials, player directors, and John Henry of Fenway Sports Group. The news has generated discussion on social media, with various opinions and questions about the deal's impact on the sport and players. [golfweek.usatoday.com]

Lucas Herbert explains his decision to join LIV Golf for the 2024 season, citing the opportunity to compete against top players like Brooks Koepka, Cam Smith, Dustin Johnson, Bryson DeChambeau, and Jon Rahm. Herbert also mentions that his status on the PGA Tour was not guaranteed after 2024 and that LIV's financial incentives played a role in his decision. He looks forward to learning from his teammates and making a big impact on Australian golf. [golfdigest.com]

The premiere date for the second season of Netflix docuseries Full Swing has been announced for March 4th. The season will feature both returning and new players, including Rory McIlroy, Justin Thomas, and Dustin Johnson. The first season offered a glimpse into the PGA Tour, capturing moments such as Ian Poulter and Brooks Koepka considering joining LIV Golf. The second season was filmed during 2023, capturing significant events like the announcement of talks between the PGA Tour and the Saudi Public Investment Fund. The season will include coverage of the four Majors and the Ryder Cup, with the finale focusing on the match at Marco Simone. Overall, the series promises to provide compelling viewing for golf enthusiasts. [golfmonthly.com]

Larry David calls out Doc Rivers as a "big loser on the golf course" during an interview on "The Bill Simmons Podcast." David expresses surprise at Rivers taking the Milwaukee Bucks job and jokingly suggests that he did it to avoid paying for dinner. The comedic exchange resembles something that Larry David's character would do on his show "Curb Your Enthusiasm." [golfdigest.com]

Tiger Woods praises the PGA Tour's $3 billion deal with Strategic Sports Group, expressing excitement for being part of the historic moment. However, there are concerns about the future of LIV Golf's merger with the Tour following this agreement. [essentiallysports.com]

Jordan Spieth believes that a deal with Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) is not necessary after the partnership with Strategic Sports Group (SSG) and the PGA Tour. The SSG deal allows for a co-investment from the PIF, but Spieth thinks the current strategic partner is sufficient. The new partnership with SSG would allow PGA Tour members to become equity holders in PGA Tour Enterprises, benefiting both the tour and the players. There is still uncertainty regarding the equity distribution and the potential impact of a PIF deal on the return of LIV players. [espn.com]

Michael Phelps, the 23-time Olympic gold winner in swimming, unexpectedly switched to golf after his retirement in 2016. He found a surprise mentor in Hank Haney, Tiger Woods' coach, who played a role in shaping Phelps into a competent golfer. Despite Haney's expertise in coaching golf, Phelps credits him for teaching him the game and improving his skills. Phelps has participated in golf tournaments and there is speculation about whether he will pursue golf professionally. [essentiallysports.com]

Collin Morikawa expressed concerns about the lack of focus on fans and the need to make golf coverage more engaging and approachable. He emphasized the importance of showing more live golf shots and improving the TV product to attract more viewers. [golfweek.usatoday.com]

Golf fans are divided over Harry Kane's incredible golf trick shot at St Andrews. Kane, who recently joined Bayern Munich, posted the video after becoming an investor in sustainable performance wear brand Reflo. The brand focuses on sustainability and Kane will be their golf ambassador. Reflo has raised around £1m in funding and aims to become the most sustainable apparel brand. Kane's trick shot video has sparked debate among fans, with some questioning its authenticity. [golfmagic.com]

Justin Thomas expresses disappointment over Tyrrell Hatton's move to LIV Golf and criticizes the Saudi-backed series. Thomas hopes Hatton made an informed decision but acknowledges that people have different perspectives. Thomas also criticizes LIV Golf's offseason acquisitions and doubts they have met CEO Greg Norman's targets. [sportskeeda.com]

Michael Phelps has called out Tiger Woods and Michael Jordan for a dream golf match-up, expressing excitement about the potential for intense competition and "incredible" trash-talking. Phelps, who has taken up golf since retiring from swimming, praised Woods' preparation and dedication, while also sharing his experience of playing golf with Jordan in the past. Phelps currently trains with Woods' former instructor, Hank Haney, and his potential to enter the world of professional golf remains to be seen. [essentiallysports.com]

Rory McIlroy expresses overwhelming gratitude while accepting the 2024 Arnie Award, recognizing golfers who make an impact off the course through charity work. McIlroy highlights the role of golf in creating role models and pays tribute to Arnold Palmer, the namesake of the award, for his integrity and inspirational giving. In addition to receiving a bronze sculpture, McIlroy's award comes with donations of $50,000 each to the Monterey Peninsula Foundation and the Arnold & Winnie Palmer Foundation. McIlroy emphasizes the importance of giving back and acknowledges golf for providing him with the platform to do so. [sportskeeda.com]

English soccer captain Harry Kane impressively hit an almost hole-in-one shot during a virtual golf game at St. Andrew's Golf Club. Kane, who is also a scratch golfer, has a strong passion for golf and has participated in various Pro-Am competitions. He recently became a brand ambassador for sustainable performance wear manufacturer Reflo. [sportskeeda.com]

Caleb Surratt, a sophomore at Tennessee and reigning SEC individual champion, has officially joined LIV Golf for the 2024 season. Despite the excitement of joining a team with Jon Rahm, leaving Tennessee was not easy for Surratt, who was the best player on the Volunteers and a team leader. The decision to join LIV Golf was a group decision, and Surratt is grateful for the support he received from his teammates and coaches. He will make his professional debut at LIV Golf Mayakoba in Mexico. [golfweek.usatoday.com]

Christian McCaffrey and Kyle Juszczyk of the 49ers were seen working on their golf swings ahead of Super Bowl LVIII. Despite their focus on football, they took time to practice their backswings. The article also mentions other NFL players, such as Jerry Rice, Patrick Mahomes, and Travis Kelce, who are known for their golf skills. The author expresses a tough call on who to root for and mentions the delay in golf season due to the Super Bowl. [golfdigest.com]

Entering the new season, Tiger Woods is saying we’ll see more of him in 2024. They’re the words of a competitor (and a dad and a Tour power broker) who’s got little quit in him. They’re also, in these turbulent times, an implied promise to golf fans to bring inspiration and heroics—and some sanity—back to the game. [golf via apple.news]

Nick Dunlap's feel-good story of winning as an amateur at the American Express golf tournament is presented as the best argument against the proposed golf-ball rollback. The article discusses the potential impact of bifurcation, or having two sets of rules for golf balls, and highlights the challenges and unfamiliarity that would come with switching to new equipment. The author argues that players like Dunlap, who achieved success with the unrestricted ball, would face difficulties in competitions that require the restricted ball. The article emphasizes the uniqueness and significance of Dunlap's victory and questions the timing and necessity of the proposed changes. [golfdigest.com]

The article discusses the issue of greed in professional golf and how throwing money at the problem is not a solution. It highlights the importance of fans in shaping the future of the sport and calls for a shift in focus from self-interest to the well-being of the game as a whole. The article also emphasizes the need to make golf more appealing to viewers and suggests that the PGA Tour should prioritize rebuilding its relationship with fans. [golfdigest.com]

Bernhard Langer, a two-time Masters champion, hopes to end his emotional farewell to the tournament on a high note. Langer, who has missed the cut for the past three years, is determined to make the most of his final start at Augusta National. He reflects on his career and the changes in the course over the years, acknowledging the challenge ahead. The Masters will take place from April 11-14. [devdiscourse.com]

In an interview, architect and PGA Tour great Tom Lehman discusses the defining features of the Lehman 18 course, his approach to course design, and his contemplation of retirement from playing on the PGA Tour Champions. He also talks about his son's golf career and his future plans for playing golf. [kingdom.golf]

PGA Tour's Commissioner Jay Monahan has been appointed as CEO of PGA Tour Enterprises, a new organization resulting from a $1.5 billion investment. Fans have mixed reactions, with some suggesting that players should have moved to LIV Golf and others expressing unhappiness with Monahan's appointment. The agreement between PGA Tour and Strategic Sports Group aims to enhance the sport for players, tournaments, fans, and partners. PGA Tour member players will have the opportunity to become equity holders in PGA Tour Enterprises based on their sporting performance. [sportskeeda.com]

Air Force Academy graduate Tom Whitney won't complain about playing the game of golf for a living. [denvergazette.com]

Tyrrell Hatton sought assurances regarding his eligibility for the Ryder Cup before joining LIV Golf. He confirmed his move to LIV Golf, where he will play alongside Jon Rahm, after receiving a $60 million signing bonus. The concerns about Ryder Cup eligibility were resolved when Rory McIlroy stated that the rules should be changed to allow LIV players to participate. The question remains whether LIV golfers will be able to return to the PGA Tour if an agreement is reached between the tour and LIV's financier, the Saudi Public Investment Fund. [golfdigest.com]

LIV Golf, the Saudi-backed league, has come under fire from fans for making spelling mistakes in their announcement of Jon Rahm's team, Legion XIII. The team name was spelled incorrectly as 'Legion XII' and the team captain's name was given as John Rahm instead of Jon Rahm. Fans have reacted with humor, poking fun at the league's mistakes and suggesting it may be due to a lack of funds for promotions. [essentiallysports.com]

The clip shows Spiranac strutting down the course to Cindi Lauper's 'Girl's Just Wanna Have Fun' before placing the ball on a tee. The clip then cuts to a closeup of her lining up the shot. [dailymail.co.uk]

LIV Golf has announced four new signings, including Jon Rahm as the captain of the all-new Legion XIII. Other intriguing additions include Kalle Samooja, Kieran Vincent, and Jinichiro Kozuma, who made it through LIV's Promotions event. The signing of Tyrrell Hatton, with a reported contract worth $60 million, is also noteworthy. [golf.com]

Rory McIlroy has faced ridicule for changing his stance on LIV Golf defectors facing punishment if they return to the PGA Tour. Initially critical of those who left for LIV, McIlroy softened his stance after Jon Rahm's move and now believes no player should be punished for returning. His remarks have sparked controversy among LIV's supporters. [gbnews.com]

PGA Tour player Rory McIlroy said that the men’s professional game that became bifurcated by LIV Golf’s inception in 2022 “must reassemble” and that player who left the PGA Tour for LIV and subsequently were suspended by the tour “should be allowed to return without penalty. [sportsbusinessjournal.com]

Rory McIlroy expresses his support for LIV players to be allowed to play in PGA Tour events without penalty. He believes that there should be no punishment for LIV players and that it would be better for both parties to work together for the good of the game. McIlroy also discusses the potential impact of LIV players returning to the PGA Tour and the importance of having strong fields in tournaments. [golf.com]

The PGA Tour has finalized an agreement with the Strategic Sports Group, which will invest up to $3 billion into the Tour's new for-profit arm, PGA Tour Enterprises. This deal is expected to benefit top Tour players and raise questions about the Tour's negotiations with the Saudi Public Investment Fund. The Golf Channel Podcast discusses the implications of the deal and touches on topics such as the potential improvement of the Tour product and Rory McIlroy's recent decision. [nbcsports.com]

The PGA Tour has reached a landmark agreement with the Strategic Sports Group (SSG) for an investment worth up to $3 billion. The SSG will have an ownership stake in a new entity called PGA Tour Enterprises, which includes the Tour's moneymaking assets. This investment provides financial stability for the Tour, offers equity to players, and opens doors for sponsorships and networking opportunities. The agreement does not impact the ongoing negotiations with the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) and aims to ensure the Tour's future and growth. [golf.com]

The PGA Tour has formed a new for-profit venture called PGA Tour Enterprises in partnership with the Strategic Sports Group (SSG). The SSG has invested $3 billion in the program, and about 200 eligible players will become equity holders. The funds will be used to benefit the tour's digital platforms, data initiatives, and other investments. The venture aims to strengthen the collective investment of players in the success of the PGA Tour. The new golf entity will have a 13-person board, including golfers, SSG representatives, and PGA Tour officials. [sportskeeda.com]

The PGA Tour has announced a new financial partner, the Strategic Sports Group, and the launch of a new for-profit venture called PGA Tour Enterprises with $3 billion in financial backing. The venture aims to maximize revenue for the PGA Tour and DP World Tour. The deal with Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund is still uncertain, and the tour is exploring other private equity investments. More than 200 PGA Tour players will have the opportunity to be equity holders in PGA Tour Enterprises. The announcement has reignited the feud between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf. [golfdigest.com]

The 2024 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am Golf Event offers a substantial $20 million prize pool, with the winner receiving $3.6 million. The tournament features a no-cut, limited-field format and includes 80 different rank holders who will compete for their share of the prize money. Tom Brady, a seven-time Super Bowl champion, will showcase his skills in this highly anticipated event alongside other sports luminaries. [essentiallysports.com]

Get to know Zimbabwean pro golfer Kieran Vincent, who joined Jon Rahm's LIV Golf team in 2024. He hails from Harare, Zimbabwe, started playing golf at the age of 3, and has an older brother, Scott Vincent, who is also a professional golfer. Kieran won the Chapman Grand Slam in 2018 and 2019, attended Liberty University in the USA, and turned professional in 2022. He won his maiden pro title at the Asian Tour's International Series Vietnam and joined Jon Rahm's Legion XIII LIV Golf team. His career-best world ranking is 396th, and he is a Christian. [golfmonthly.com]

Two Nebraska friends decided on a whim to play golf in all 50 states. It took almost six years, but they said it was a magical journey. [yorknewstimes.com]

The PGA Show is a gathering of golf industry professionals and companies showcasing new products and innovations. From golf simulators and swing trainers to unique golf accessories and apparel, the show offers a wide range of offerings. It also highlights the entrepreneurial spirit of individuals looking to make their mark in the golf market. The event provides an opportunity for professionals to make orders for their pro shops and for attendees to test out new products. Overall, the PGA Show is a vibrant and diverse event that celebrates the game of golf. [theathletic.com]

"The Long Game" is an upcoming movie starring Dennis Quaid and Jay Hernandez, set for release on April 12. Directed by Julio Quintana, the film tells the true story of five teenage Hispanic-American caddies in the 1950s who built their own golf course and went on to win the state championship. The movie aims to celebrate the American dream and promote inclusivity in the sport of golf. [movieguide.org]

Coterie and LPGA have joined forces to revolutionize business and community building for golf professionals. This collaboration aims to enhance professionals' earning potential, improve the player experience, and provide a platform that modernizes their communities and business operations. The partnership offers increased opportunities for LPGA teaching professionals to grow their businesses and stay connected with their players, while also aligning with the shared goal of growing the game of golf for women. [lpga.com]

Nelly Korda's win at the LPGA Drive On Championship propelled her to the No. 2 spot in the Rolex Rankings, creating a rare occurrence of two American golfers in the top two positions. Lilia Vu remains at the top, making it the fourth week ever that a pair of Americans have held these spots. Although only two Americans are in the top 10, Korda has spent the most weeks (37) as the top-ranked American. [golfdigest.com]

John Deere has announced a new multi-year partnership with the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) as the Official Golf Course Equipment Supplier. This extended agreement strengthens the LPGA's efforts to promote women in golf. John Deere will also support the 2024 Solheim Cup as the Official Golf Course Equipment Supplier, working closely with agronomists to ensure exceptional playing conditions. The partnership highlights John Deere's commitment to providing top-notch playing experiences and empowering women in the game of golf. [lpga.com]

At the LPGA Drive On Championship, several players named Nelly Korda as their favorite swing on tour. Other mentioned players include Amy Yang, Hyo Joo Kim, Alison Lee, Minjee Lee, and InGee Chun. These players were praised for their smooth, efficient, and technically sound swings. [golfweek.usatoday.com]

The team rosters for LIV Golf's 2024 season have been confirmed, with Jon Rahm captaining Legion XIII. The Saudi Arabia-funded breakaway league has made headlines with the acquisition of Rahm and other players like Tyrrell Hatton and Adrian Meronk. The season opener in Mayakoba, Mexico, is highly anticipated, with Rahm being the favorite to win. The article provides a full list of the teams and players participating in the tournament. [mirror.co.uk]

The LIV Golf League has seen a busy off-season with numerous transfers and new signings. The biggest deal was Jon Rahm joining Legion XIII in a reported $500m+ deal, followed by other notable signings like Adrian Meronk and Lucas Herbert. Talor Gooch moved to Smash GC, Matthew Wolff went the other way, and Graeme McDowell joined Smash GC. Other transfers and swaps took place among various teams in the league. [golfmonthly.com]

Charles Howell III is a professional golfer known for his achievements on the PGA Tour and his recent move to LIV Golf. Born in Augusta, Georgia, he started playing golf at a young age and attended Oklahoma State University. Throughout his career, he has won three PGA Tour events and one LIV Golf title. Howell III has a strong record with numerous top-10 finishes and has earned over $42 million in PGA Tour earnings. He joined LIV Golf in 2022 and became a member of Bryson DeChambeau's Crushers GC team. With a highest world ranking of 15th, Howell III is known for his driving distance, averaging over 300 yards per drive. [golfmonthly.com]

Former PGA Tour pro Hudson Swafford will join the LIV Golf 2024 season as a wild card, competing without a team. Swafford, who played in the inaugural season but missed the 2023 season due to injury, earned one of two wild cards given out by the circuit. Laurie Canter also received a wild card for the first two events. The LIV Golf field was completed with Adrian Meronk and Lucas Herbert. [sportskeeda.com]

Lucas Herbert has officially joined Cam Smith's LIV Golf team, making the roster now exclusively Australian. Herbert expressed excitement about the opportunity and looks forward to playing in front of the home country crowd. With several notable victories under his belt, including the 2020 Dubai Desert Classic and the 2021 Irish Open, Herbert aims to take his career to new heights in LIV Golf. [sportskeeda.com]

LIV Golf has officially added Lucas Herbert of Australia to Cameron Smith's team, Ripper. Herbert, who has one PGA Tour victory, will join Adrian Meronk of Poland and two other players in the 54-man field for the new season. The addition of Herbert and Meronk brings the total number of teams in LIV Golf to 13. [wwos.nine.com.au]

Rachel Lee wins the strokeplay portion of the NSW Women's Amateur golf tournament, narrowly edging out her closest competitor by a single shot. Despite the challenges posed by the Pacific Dunes course, Lee maintained her cool and finished with a final score of 4-over. Erina Tan finished in second place, and the top sixteen women have moved on to the matchplay component of the tournament. [amateurgolf.com]

This article provides information and advice on playing college golf in the US. It discusses the pros and cons of studying in the UK versus the US, the minimum requirements for golf scholarships, the application process, and the costs involved. It also includes insights from industry expert Lorne Kelly, who shares tips on getting a scholarship and highlights the benefits of college golf in the US. [golfmonthly.com]

Gile Bite Starkute, a standout in Arizona Women's Golf, has been named the Pac-12 Conference's Co-Golfer of the Week for her individual win at the Match in the Desert. She shot a career-low 64, the lowest by a Pac-12 golfer this season, and tied the program record for lowest individual round. Starkute's performance helped the Wildcats achieve their lowest team round in school history. She has also made her mark in the program's record books and has received numerous academic awards. [araizonawildcats.com]

PING's G430 Max 10K driver and Blueprint irons have received the stamp of approval from its Tour staff and are ready for retail. The Max 10K driver surpasses the 10,000 g-cm2 combined moment of inertia threshold, providing more consistent carry distances and spin rates. The Blueprint irons feature a new technique that saves weight and improved forgiveness. The Blueprint T is designed for better players with a focus on workability, trajectory control, and feel. [golf via apple.news]

TUMI has become the "Official Luggage" for both the LPGA and PGA TOUR with its new golf collection. The collection includes tech-forward golf bags and lifestyle accessories designed to enhance the golfing experience. This partnership aims to improve the sport and welcome diverse talents, reflecting TUMI's dedication to quality and innovation. [news.dupontregistry.com]

Callaway's new Paradym Ai Smoke drivers offer improved performance and forgiveness, as confirmed by internal testing and player testing. The Ai Smart Face technology significantly impacted performance, particularly on mishits, resulting in increased carry distance and tighter dispersion. Testers reported impressive improvements in their driving distance and expressed eagerness to use the Smoke Ai drivers. [golf via apple.news]

The G/FORE G/LOCK Gallivanter golf shoe offers a classic, premium look with improved performance. With a comfortable fit and visually appealing design, these shoes provide traction and stability with 10 strategically placed spikes. While they come with a premium price, they are considered among the best spiked golf shoes on the market. [golfmonthly.com]

Harry Kane, England's men's football captain, has invested in and become a global ambassador for sustainable golf apparel brand Reflo. The brand focuses on sustainability, performance, and style, using recycled polyester derived from single-use plastic waste. Kane's investment will support Reflo's mission to become the most sustainable apparel brand in the world. The funding round will also aid in production and business operations, as well as forest regeneration efforts. Reflo's Spring-Summer 2024 Collection offers versatile and lightweight products designed for various sports. Kane will wear the brand while playing in golf competitions and practicing. Reflo has already planted trees and recycled plastic bottles, and they pledge to plant 500 trees for every goal Kane scores in the 2023/24 season. [golfshake.com]

Adidas and Malbon Golf have launched The Crosby Collection, a limited-edition line of apparel, accessories, and footwear for men and women. The collection, created in honor of Bing Crosby and his legendary Crosby Clambake tournament, features casual and informal styles inspired by the golfing culture of the 1930s. The collaboration is available at adidas.com, malbon.com, and select Adidas and Malbon Golf stores. [hollywoodreporter.com]

The Cattails Golf Course in Alamosa, Colorado has experienced a turnaround with increased revenue and improved conditions, thanks to the support and investment from the city. The course has seen growth in membership, merchandise sales, and green fees. Despite challenges with the irrigation system, the course was able to secure funding and complete necessary repairs. The success of the course is attributed to the collaboration between the golf board, city support, and dedicated staff. [alamosanews.com]

GOLF Top 100 Teacher Cameron McCormick shares power moves to increase driving distance, including adjusting stance, creating side tilt, and optimizing angle of attack. By incorporating these moves, golfers can achieve more yardage off the tee and improve their driving distance. [golf.com]

This step-by-step guide provides instructions for achieving the perfect golf driver stance. It emphasizes the importance of ball position, hip hinge and knee flex, posture and balance. Proper driver stance and ball position are crucial for maximizing distance and accuracy. [golflink.com]

Spice up your golf matches with a game called "gilligans" or "reverse mulligans." This game allows players to make their opponents replay shots, adding a fun and competitive twist to the game. However, there are variations in the rules, with some groups allowing unlimited replays even for hole-in-ones. [golf.com]

A pro caddie would offer the following advice for your game: improve bunker play by using the club's bounce, know how far your ball flies, get serious about green reading, think positively, put away the driver and focus on fairway woods, learn the Aimpoint system for putting, map out your misses ahead of time, improve your pace of play, stay hydrated with sports drinks or water, and club up to avoid trouble in front of the green. [golf.com]

Flygreen offers purposeful and customized private jet experiences for golf getaways, with options like the Cessna Caravan Amphibian for shorter trips, the Beechcraft King Air 350i for long-distance journeys, the Cessna Citation Sovereign for reaching renowned golf destinations, the Gulfstream G IV-SP for group travel, and the Bombardier Global 7500 for luxury and spaciousness. Flygreen is committed to sustainability and offsets carbon emissions through tree planting. [golfweek.usatoday.com]

Frontier Airlines plans to launch six direct routes to Puerto Rico, connecting the island with Charlotte, N.C., Boston, Mass., Norfolk, Va., and Florida cities Palm Beach, Fort Myers, and Fort Lauderdale. This is exciting news for golf enthusiasts, as Puerto Rico offers 18 diverse golf courses, including two under construction. The island also provides additional advantages such as a bilingual culture, the use of U.S. currency, and no passport requirement for American citizens. Puerto Rico has become a popular destination for golf events and offers award-winning resorts, picturesque beaches, vibrant nightlife, and delicious cuisine. [travelandtourworld.com]

The Montreal Metropolitan Community has implemented an interim control bylaw to safeguard golf courses in the greater Montreal area from future development. The bylaw protects a minimum of 70% of five courses and aims to preserve 30% of the metropolitan area by 2030. The protected green space covers approximately 460 hectares. The definition of development includes not only housing and apartments but also schools, parks, and infrastructure. [turfandrec.com]

Click to see the entire PGA Tour Schedule for 2024 including the Previous winners and Purse.

Click to see the entire LIV Tour Schedule for 2024 including the Previous winners and Purse.

Click to see the entire LPGA Tour Schedule for 2024 including the Previous winners and Purse.