Planet Golf News - February 12, 2024

The Genesis Invitational, a signature event on the PGA Tour, will be held at the Historic Riviera Country Club with a $20 million purse. Tiger Woods will be making his first official PGA Tour start since last year's Masters and will be competing alongside top players in the field. The tournament will have a 36-hole cut to the low 50 players and ties. [si.com]

The 2024 Genesis Invitational field is set, featuring players like Scottie Scheffler, Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, Viktor Hovland, Xander Schauffele, and Max Homa. This 71-player field will be played over four days as the seventh tournament of the 2024 PGA Tour schedule. The event will take place at the Riviera Country Club in California, with a $20 million purse and several top-ranked players participating. [thegolfnewsnet.com]

Joe Idone (@TourPicks) ranks his top 10 golfers ahead of the 2024 Genesis Invitational. Who are the top PGA Tour golfers at Riviera Country Club? Which golfers can win the tournament in Los Angeles, California when the event tees off February 15th, 2024? [rotoballer.com]

Jim Knous, playing in what he believes to be his last PGA Tour event, made four late birdies in the Phoenix Open to finish tied for 28th place. Knous, who will start a job with PING in two weeks, expressed excitement about his play and the opportunity to transition to a regular job. Despite leaving the tour, he plans to continue playing competitively in PGA section events. [golfdigest.com]

Charley Hoffman explains how he got the nickname "Seagull" during an interview on the "Gravy and the Sleeze" show on SiriusXM. He embraced the nickname and it stuck, much to his chagrin. [golfweek.usatoday.com]

Charley Hoffman, despite never receiving a LIV Golf contract, has a connection with Greg Norman through the Greg Norman Collection. Hoffman has been wearing clothing items from the collection and signed a multi-year contract with the brand in 2017. [essentiallysports.com]

Rory McIlroy has made changes to his diet to improve his golf game, cutting down on chocolate and ice cream and following a gluten-free diet. He has increased his protein intake and eliminated pork and eggs. With recent tournament successes, McIlroy hopes to win a Major this year. He will be competing at the 2024 Genesis Open. [sportskeeda.com]

European Ryder Cup legend Jose Maria Olazabal suggests that the path for LIV Golfers to return to the European Ryder Cup team may be rocky, as there could be consequences for players who leave traditional tours. Olazabal expresses concern about potentially missing key players for future Ryder Cups and the possibility of new players emerging. [si.com]

LIV Golf players have placed their bets on the upcoming Super Bowl LVIII. Some players, like Bryson DeChambeau and Phil Mickelson, support the San Francisco 49ers, while others, like Tyrrell Hatton and Harold Varner III, are backing the Kansas City Chiefs. The match is scheduled to take place on February 11. [essentiallysports.com]

Matt Wolff opens up about his tenure under Bubba Watson at RangeGoats GC, stating that he feels in a much better spot both in terms of his game and mentally. After a major conflict with Brooks Koepka at Smash GC, Wolff's transfer seems to have suited him well, as he posted his best finish in LIV Golf since 2022. He finished strong at the 2024 LIV Golf Las Vegas, securing a tie for third and fourth place on points. [sportskeeda.com]

Kevin Kisner, a professional golfer, discusses his future plans in an interview. While serving as a sports analyst for NBC during recent events, Kisner refers to this role as a hobby and plans to continue playing professionally. He also criticizes the SSG investment in the PGA Tour, expressing doubts about the amount of money it will bring to players. [essentiallysports.com]

Dustin Johnson admitted to not practicing much before the LIV season but still managed to place T5 in Mexico and win his third LIV tournament in Las Vegas. He expressed indifference towards the PGA Tour's $3 billion investment deal and the potential merger with LIV. Johnson's strong performance in Las Vegas sets him up for a promising run at this year's Masters. [fansided.com]

Graeme McDowell redeemed himself in the LIV Golf season by helping Brooks Koepka's Smash GC win the Las Vegas Invitational team title. McDowell, who had a difficult start to the season, finished fifth on the leaderboard, earning a significant payday. Koepka's decision to give McDowell a second chance paid off, and the team finished seven shots clear of the second-place finisher, Dustin Johnson's 4Aces. [mirror.co.uk]

Jim Knous, a 12-year touring pro golfer, made the cut at the WM Phoenix Open as a Monday qualifier in what could potentially be his final PGA TOUR start. Knous, who is set to begin a new career with PING, has come to terms with the fact that he may never achieve his childhood dreams of winning TOUR events and contending at majors. Despite this, he is grateful for his journey and the support he has received. Knous and his family are savoring the moment and enjoying the experience together. [pgatour.com]

The LIV Golf league is in desperate need of a merger with the PGA Tour due to the potential loss of a major revenue stream if the $3B merger falls through. The delay in the merger is causing the breakaway league to lose millions in TV revenue, as only the weekend rounds are currently televised. LIV Golf had a solution in place that relied on the merger, but it cannot be executed until the merger happens. Despite rumors, the deal between the PGA Tour and the PIF is still alive, with the PIF having the chance to invest in the future, subject to regulatory approvals. The SSG also holds influence over the merger and has consented to an investment by the PIF, subject to necessary review and approvals. [essentiallysports.com]

The "hatgate" scandal at the Ryder Cup involving Patrick Cantlay sparked controversy and speculation. While Cantlay denied it was about money, industry expert Daryl Evans suggests that the issue lies with the highly-inflated fees that executives receive for their involvement in the Ryder Cup, while players do not get paid for the advertising space on their hats. Cantlay's refusal to wear a cap may stem from the frustration of seeing others profit from the event. [bunkered.co.uk]

The missed deadline for the PGA Tour-PIF deal and the $3 billion deal with SSG have caused tension in the golf world, with prominent players like Tiger Woods, Jordan Spieth, and Justin Thomas turning their backs on LIV Golf. This could lead to three implications: a potential punishment for LIV defectors led by a committee including Woods, Spieth, and Thomas; the formation of factions within the PGA Tour, as evidenced by a recent clash between Rory McIlroy and Spieth over the PGA Tour-PIF merger; and the potential jeopardy of the PGA Tour-PIF merger due to the views of Woods and others. [essentiallysports.com]

The future of LIV Golfers after the PGAT-SSG deal remains uncertain. The merger deal between the PGA Tour and the PIF got postponed, and the $3 billion investment from SSG closed the doors for the PIF's entry. Negotiations between the parties are ongoing, but reports suggest that talks have gone cold. Some PGA Tour players expressed concerns about LIV golfers being allowed back, while others wished for the unification of the game. The possibility of LIV Golfers competing on the PGA Tour and the extent of any potential punishment are still unknown. [thesportsrush.com]

Anthony Kim, once an exciting golfer, disappeared from the golf world a decade ago. Rumors suggest that he may be planning a comeback to professional golf, either on the PGA Tour or the LIV circuit. His return would generate significant buzz and intrigue. [progolfnow.com]

Cristobal del Solar wrote himself into the history books with a mind-blowing round of 57 on the Korn Ferry Tour. There have been 12 sub-60 rounds on the PGA Tour. Remarkably, there has only been one each on the DP World Tour and LPGA Tour and we have already seen two on the LIV circuit. [golfshake.com]

The Saudi investment in pro golf is not about making money, but about gaining influence and changing their image. The investment could potentially reshape the sport, but it's unlikely to generate a significant return on investment. The fan experience may be impacted if top players don't participate in major tournaments due to the investment. The sports economist interviewed suggests that sports teams are more of a consumption product than a business, and that the motivations of investors are often misunderstood. [golf.com]

With LIV Golf making its way towards Super Bowl's Turf this year, which of the two is giving a better experience to the fans in Las Vegas. [essentiallysports.com]

Swing instructor Mike Schy predicts that Bryson DeChambeau will win more majors in the future, citing improvements in his swing and equipment. Schy believes that DeChambeau's recent adjustments and his dedication to pushing boundaries will lead to success in the upcoming season. [golfweek.usatoday.com]

Arizona State men's golf alumni, including Jon Rahm and Phil Mickelson, have joined LIV Golf, causing a decrease in their presence at the WM Phoenix Open. Despite this, ASU coach Matt Thurmond believes it does not detract from the program. LIV Golf has attracted top talent but still lags behind the PGA Tour in popularity. The Sun Devil presence on LIV could grow with current players being approached. Meanwhile, ASU alums on the PGA Tour, such as Kevin Yu and Grayson Murray, continue to make an impact. [sports.yahoo.com]

Members of the LIV Golf league, including Carlos Ortiz, were upset to see their World Ranking dropping as they were told they would receive World Ranking points. The frustration stems from the belief that good players in the league should be included in the rankings. While understanding the need for a waiting period, players hope to find a way to be ranked and compete freely in majors and against other players. [golf.com]

LIV Golf's first two winners this season reignited chatter around nonexistent world ranking points and opportunities to play majors. [henryherald.com]

Tiger Woods' former caddie, Steve Williams, believes that LIV Golf is good for the future and provides more options for viewers. Williams, who had caddied for Greg Norman, the CEO of LIV Golf, in the past, sees the upstart league as a necessary disruptor in the game. However, Woods has disapproved of LIV Golf since its inception and is opposed to bringing back LIV golfers without repercussions. [essentiallysports.com]

Tiger Woods has teased a new collaboration with TaylorMade, wearing gloves with the logo of the 'Sunday Red' subset. The golf world has reacted with mixed opinions, with some fans criticizing the logo as "atrocious" and a "biggest downgrade." Further details about the collaboration will be revealed on Monday. [essentiallysports.com]

With Tiger Woods recently honoring Kobe Bryant, let's look back at the shared legacy of the two people who are the best in their game.Tiger Woods and Kobe Bryant shared a deep friendship and mutual respect, connecting on a mental level and bonding over their love for their respective sports. Woods recently honored Bryant, reminiscing about their shared experiences and the ultimate toughness and dedication they both exhibited. Bryant's untimely death was a devastating loss for Woods, who is now focused on honoring his legacy. [essentiallysports.com]

Rory McIlroy has been a vocal critic of LIV Golf since its inception in 2022. However, as negotiations for a potential merger between LIV and the PGA Tour progressed, McIlroy softened his stance and called for unity in the professional golf community. He acknowledged that not everyone is in the same position and expressed a willingness to welcome back players who chose to join LIV. [golfmonthly.com]

Jena Sims, wife of golfer Brooks Koepka, has shown support for Brittany Mahomes, who made her debut in the 2024 SI Swimsuit issue. Sims describes Mahomes as a polarizing person and respects her as a needle-mover and disrupter. Sims, who has also been on the cover of SI Swimsuit, understands the hate Mahomes receives and relates to her on a smaller level. Mahomes has faced criticism for having her own career and not always being present to support her husband, NFL star Patrick Mahomes. Despite the hate, Mahomes is unfazed by people's opinions of her. [essentiallysports.com]

Scottie Scheffler's wife, Meredith Scudder, has been a key part of his journey in the PGA Tour. The couple got married in December 2020 and has been traveling together to various events. Scheffler has recently won the Waste Management Phoenix Open and TPC Sawgrass, adding $8.1 million to their earnings. [thegolfnewsnet.com]

Charley Hoffman has been married to his wife, Stacy Vasil Hoffman, since 2009. They have two daughters together and have known each other since their time at Poway High School. [thegolfnewsnet.com]

PGA Tour pro Tommy Fleetwood was seen practicing at LIV Golf Las Vegas tournament, but he clarified that he turned down an offer from LIV Golf and plans to stay on the tour. Fleetwood has been performing well and enjoying time with his old Ryder Cup pals, but he remains focused on his golf career on the PGA Tour. [thesportsrush.com]

This document provides information on how to buy tickets for the Masters 2024 golf tournament at Augusta National. It discusses the lottery system, secondary market options, and ticket prices for practice rounds and tournament rounds. The document also includes the schedule and dates of the Masters 2024, qualification criteria for players, and a list of past winners. [sportingnews.com]

Play was paused for a brilliant reason at Magical Kenya Ladies Open as giraffes crossed the course on the 18th hole! [skysports.com]

Mikael Lindberg wins the Bain's Whisky Cape Town Open in a dramatic playoff, holing a 30-foot birdie putt on the second playoff hole. Conor Purcell finishes in a share of 24th place with a one-under 71. Lindberg's victory moves him to second place on the Road to Mallorca Rankings. [irishgolfer.ie]

Rikuya Hoshino of Japan claims the Qatar Masters title, becoming the fourth Japanese player to win on the DP World Tour. Hoshino demonstrated remarkable consistency and determination throughout the tournament, securing victory with a final round of 68. His triumph marks a significant milestone in Japanese golf and highlights his potential as a dominant force in the sport. [bnnbraking.com]

Shannon Tan emerged as the winner of the Magical Kenya Ladies Open, securing her first victory on the Ladies European Tour at just 19 years old. Starting as co-leader with Alessandra Fanali, Tan finished with a final score of 70 (-3), winning by a margin of four strokes. Camille Chevalier finished in 19th place. Tan's win also puts her in the lead of the European order of merit. [swing-feminin.com]

Shannon Tan emerged as the winner of the 2024 Magical Kenya Ladies Open, her debut on the Ladies European Tour. She finished at 12-under 280, four shots ahead of Alessandra Fanali. The tournament marked the beginning of the 2024 Ladies European Tour season. The next event on the schedule is the Aramco Saudi Ladies International. [thegolfnewsnet.com]

Kazuma Kobori emerged as the winner of the 2024 WebEx Players Series Sydney, earning a one-shot victory over Jenny Shin. Kobori shot a final round of 66 to secure his first win on the tour and took home a prize money of AUD$45,000. The tournament also saw notable performances from Brendan Jones and Matias Sydneynchez, who finished in third and fourth place respectively. [thegolfnewsnet.com]

Kevin Velo emerged as the winner of the 2024 Astara Golf Championship, defeating Brian Campbell in a playoff. Velo earned a prize money of $180,000, while Richy Werenski and Thomas Walsh finished tied for third place. The tournament marked the second event of the Korn Ferry Tour season in Latin America. [thegolfnewsnet.com]

The USGA has announced the qualifying sites for the 43rd U.S. Mid-Amateur Championship, which will be held at Kinloch Golf Club in Manakin-Sabot, Virginia from September 21-26. Qualifying will take place at 68 sites across the United States and Mexico between July 24 and August 28. The championship is open to competitors with an index of 2.4 or lower who will be at least 25 years old at the start of the tournament. [amateurgolf.com]

Freshman golfer Wenyi Ding from Arizona State University broke the NCAA 54-hole scoring record with a remarkable 27-under 189 at the Amer Ari Invitational in Hawaii. Ding's score surpassed the previous record of 21-under 192 set by Jon Rahm in 2014. Ding's impressive performance, including 26 birdies and an eagle, secured him the medalist honors and showcased his potential as a rising star in college golf. [golfdigest.com]

The PGA Tour prohibits professionals from drinking during tournaments, with penalties that may include losing their Tour membership. However, moderate alcohol consumption is allowed after rounds or during social functions. The use of mobile phones is also restricted, with limited usage during practice rounds and designated areas in Pro-Am tournaments. Competitive rounds strictly prohibit phone usage. The rules aim to maintain professionalism and avoid negative influences on audiences. [essentiallysports.com]

Carlos Ortiz explains his experience with LIV Golf, highlighting the team aspect and international schedule. He discusses how LIV golfers can change teams, sharing his own experience of moving from Sergio Garcia's team to Joaquin Niemann's team. Ortiz emphasizes the camaraderie and friendship among teammates and expresses his satisfaction with the move. [golf.com]

Nick Taylor, a 34-year-old golfer, is the winner ofhttps://thegolfnewsnet.com/golfnewsnetteam/2024/02/11/whens-the-last-time-a-pga-tour-player-won-an-event-three-years-in-a-row-131235/ the 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open. He has won multiple times on the PGA Tour, including the RBC Canadian Open in 2023. With a win in this tournament, Taylor would earn various benefits and a prize money of $1.584 million. [thegolfnewsnet.com]

The last time a PGA Tour player won an event three years in a row was Steve Stricker, who won the John Deere Classic from 2009 to 2011. However, Tiger Woods holds the record for winning four events at least three years in a row, including the Buick Invitational and the Arnold Palmer Invitational. [thegolfnewsnet.com]

The last time Charley Hoffman won a PGA Tour tournament was in 2016 at the Valero Texas Open. Despite a long drought without a win, a victory could boost his confidence and help him regain full PGA Tour status. [thegolfnewsnet.com]

The Waste Management Phoenix Open is known for its large attendance, attracting around half a million people over the five-day event. The tournament is played on Super Bowl weekend, adding to the festive atmosphere. While general admission tickets are available for $75-100, playing at TPC Scottsdale has different options, including an annual membership starting at $4,500 per individual with additional fees for couples and family members. [en.as.com]

The number of left-handed golfers in professional golf is significantly lower than the general population, with only a handful of lefties achieving fame. This is due to factors such as being forced to switch to right-handed play, limited availability of left-handed golf equipment, social stigma, and golf courses designed for right-handed players. Despite these challenges, notable left-handed golfers include Bob Charles, Mike Weir, Bubba Watson, Phil Mickelson, and Brian Harman. As accessibility and technology improve, it is possible that the number of lefties in pro golf may increase in the future. [thesportsrush.com]

The Waste Management Phoenix Open has had 11 hole-in-ones on hole number 16 in its 36-year history. The tournament's stadium-layout and enthusiastic fans make it a unique and exciting event in pro golf. The 2024 event is still ongoing, with delays due to weather conditions. [en.as.com]

Based on data from ShotsToHole.com, the likelihood of getting a hole-in-one varies based on your handicap. On average, it takes 80+ shooters over 16 years to achieve a hole-in-one. [golf.com]

Maverick McNealy, an American golfer, has a background rooted in the tech industry as the son of Scott McNealy, the founder of Sun Microsystems. He attended Stanford University and achieved success as a college golfer before turning professional. Although he has yet to win on the PGA Tour, he has achieved high rankings and notable finishes. Additionally, McNealy is known for his driving distance, averaging just under 300 yards during the 2022/23 PGA Tour season. [golfmonthly.com]

Charley Hoffman was a contender in the 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open. He was looking to win for the first time in nearly eight years at TPC Scottsdale. Hoffman, 47 years old, has had a long career on the PGA Tour, with four wins. A win at TPC Scottsdale would have earned him various benefits and a prize money of $1.584 million. [thegolfnewsnet.com]

Mizuno has unveiled a special edition 'white' version of its ST-Z 230 driver, which has been seen in the hands of tour professionals. The driver is part of Mizuno's expanded metal wood line and features a matte white crown. It offers stability from off-center hits and is designed to be faster and deliver a solid impact. Only 25 of these drivers are available in Australia and New Zealand, with a retail price of $1,299. [golfaustralia.com.au]

The right golf clubs can significantly improve your game by matching your specific swing and style. For instance, a driver that produces lower spin rates can increase carry distance, while putters weighted to accommodate your stroke, fairway woods that launch higher, and wedges with the right bounce and grind can all enhance your performance. However, while the right equipment is crucial, it's also important to spend time addressing the kinks in your swing. [golfdigest.com]

Cobra ambassadors Rickie Fowler, Gary Woodland, and Justin Suh have all transitioned to the new Cobra Darkspeed driver. The driver comes in three models and features a forged titanium face, carbon fiber panels, moveable weights, and an adjustable hosel. The players shared their experiences with testing and customizing the driver to maximize performance. Fowler increased the loft and made adjustments to the internal weight, Woodland switched back to his old shaft, and Suh found the driver's clean look and hot face appealing. Overall, the players praised the Darkspeed driver for its aerodynamics and ball speed control. [golfweek.usatoday.com]

Nick Taylor won the WM Phoenix Open with a score of 21-under-par. His equipment included a Titleist TSi3 driver, Titleist TSi2 3-wood, TaylorMade SIM2 Max 5-wood, Titleist TSR2 hybrid, Titleist T200 and T100 irons, Titleist Vokey Design SM10 and WedgeWorks wedges, TaylorMade Spider Tour Red putter, and Titleist Pro V1x ball. [golfaustralia.com.au]

Kazuma Kobori won the Webex Players Series Sydney with a score of 24-under-par. His winning bag included a Titleist TSR3 driver, Titleist TSR2+ 3-wood, Titleist TSR3 hybrid, Titleist T150 and T100 irons, Titleist Vokey SM9 wedges, Scotty Cameron Newport Timeless 2 putter, and Titleist Pro V1x ball. [golfaustralia.com.au]

Learn three tips to hit wedge shots close like Justin Thomas: don't put pressure on yourself, focus on smooth rhythm and flush contact, and follow the advice of Bridget Ackley, PGA. [pga.com]

Cristobal Del Solar underwent a significant transformation in his golf swing, which played a crucial role in his impressive performance on the Korn Ferry Tour. With the help of coach Edo Miquel, Del Solar modified his backswing, moving the club more around his body, which leveled his shoulders and pointed the clubface less towards the ground. This transformation required hours of practice and commitment, but it ultimately led to a more consistent and powerful swing. [golfdigest.com]

In this Golf Monthly article, the author highlights seven things that men can learn from women in golf. These include the advantages of slower swing speeds, using hybrids instead of long irons, improving flexibility through stretching, playing from appropriate tee boxes, enjoying the game and seeking improvement, being methodical in grip and alignment, and maintaining composure after a poor shot. The article emphasizes the benefits of learning from each other and encourages more interaction between male and female golfers. [golfmonthly.com]

Early extension in the golf swing can negatively impact your shots. This article provides tips and a drill to help prevent early extension and improve your golf swing. [golfweek.usatoday.com]

Female golfers can play their best on the course by finding a teacher who specializes in teaching beginners, putting themselves out there and starting with lessons or clinics, being a great listener, embracing the process and being patient with missed shots, investing in quality lessons or sharing lessons with a friend, celebrating success, mastering setup and routine, understanding how to get the ball into the air, learning in a comfortable setting with other women, and learning with like-minded individuals to establish motivation and playing groups. [golf.com]

Becoming a scratch golfer is a rare feat, with only about 1% of players achieving this level. Key stats about scratch golfers include their putting make rates from key distances (10 feet: 33%, 8 feet: 41%, 5 feet: 66%), their ability to avoid big mistakes, and their higher greens in regulation (GIR) percentage compared to other skill levels. [golf.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.