Planet Golf News - February 14, 2024

The eligibility of golfers for the Ryder Cup is being debated, particularly regarding Jon Rahm's chances after his move to LIV Golf. Ryder Cup legend Jose Maria Olazabal advises against altering Team Europe's eligibility rules to accommodate players from the new league. While some players, like Rory McIlroy, believe exceptions should be made for exceptional talents like Rahm, Olazabal emphasizes the importance of maintaining distinct eligibility criteria. Rahm remains focused on fulfilling his Tour quota to secure eligibility. The potential changes in Ryder Cup eligibility rules create a conversation about tradition, fairness, and the inclusion of players associated with the LIV Golf league. [firstsportz.com]

Billy Horschel responds to his viral outburst at the WM Phoenix Open, explaining the incident and expressing his displeasure with the lack of respect shown by some fans. Horschel and fellow players have criticized the rowdy behavior at the tournament, stating that it has crossed the line in recent years. [golfmonthly.com]

Zach Johnson expressed his dissatisfaction with the Waste Management Phoenix Open, citing unruly behavior from fans and questioning how to control it. Despite the controversies, the tournament remains popular and sought-after, and players have the option to skip it if they don't enjoy it. [ontapsportsnet.com]

Kevin Na, expresses happiness with his move to LIV Golf despite his lack of success in the league. Na cites the appeal of the schedule and the team aspect of the competition as reasons for his decision. Although he misses playing in his hometown event on the PGA Tour, Na believes the benefits of LIV Golf outweigh the drawbacks. [reviewjournal.com]

Tiger Woods was spotted at The Genesis Invitational with new 'Sun Day Red' golf shoes and a TaylorMade Qi10 Tour 3-wood. He is also testing new TaylorMade MG4 wedges and still using his longtime TaylorMade M3 5-wood, TaylorMade P-770 3-iron, and Scotty Cameron Newport 2 GSS prototype putter. [pgatour.com]

Tiger Woods prepares for his 2024 season debut at Riviera, sporting his new Sun Day Red apparel line. He played a quick practice round on Tuesday, accompanied by his new caddie Lance Bennett. Woods aims to play once a month this year, starting with the Genesis Invitational. He has been involved in off-course activities, including helping secure a deal with the Strategic Sports Group. Woods will play his opening round at 9:25 a.m. PST. [nbcsports.com]

David Carey, known as "Mr. 57" in golf for shooting a record-breaking 57, now has to aim for a score of 56 after Cristobal Del Solar matched his record. The number of sub-60 scores in golf is increasing, but Carey takes pride in being the first to achieve it on a tour part of the Official World Golf Ranking. Despite the short course and similarities between the two rounds, Carey's achievement remains unique. [washingtonpost.com]

Jerry Kelly, a PGA Tour veteran and current PGA Tour Champions player, is serving as the player host for the 2024 Cologuard Classic. The tournament aims to raise awareness for colorectal cancer, make screenings accessible, and recognize those affected by the disease. Kelly, who has lost friends to colorectal cancer, emphasizes the importance of early detection and the need to talk about the disease. The mission of the tournament goes beyond golf, aiming to create awareness and save lives. [fansided.com]

Two years ago, during the Genesis Invitational, professional golf experienced a period of divisiveness and rhetoric. The event saw the emergence of the LIV Golf League as a rival circuit, with players like Phil Mickelson expressing their support for it. Tiger Woods, the tournament host, downplayed the idea of playing in the Masters due to his recovery from a car crash. The PGA Tour underwent changes in its business model, and negotiations between the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, and the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia, which funds LIV Golf, are ongoing. [si.com]

The Waste Management Phoenix Open showcased chaotic scenes of drunken fans causing mayhem, raising concerns about the direction of professional male golf and the desire to attract a younger audience. While the tournament's success in attracting a wider public is commendable, the lack of golf knowledge and etiquette among these fans leads to unruly behavior. The article questions whether golf should prioritize growth and entertainment over maintaining its traditions and integrity, especially with the upcoming Ryder Cup in New York. [telegraph.co.uk]

There were bros dressed as Thomas Jefferson, bros in BlackRock hats, and bros who urinated on themselves. Also, someone called me Harry Potter. [businessinsider.com]

The Waste Management Phoenix Open is more than just a golf tournament; it is a spectacle of revelry and camaraderie. While the event pushes the boundaries of safety at times, it creates a unique atmosphere that attracts sports fans and partygoers alike. Organizers face the challenge of maintaining the event's spirit while ensuring safety. Despite the uncertainties, the Waste Management Phoenix Open leaves a lasting impression on all who attend. [nesn.com]

A bartender at the WM Phoenix Open shares his perspective on the chaos that ensued during the event, including alcohol sales being cut off, security not checking tickets, and fans getting out of control. The behavior led to numerous arrests and ejections, turning the event into a horror show. The bartender also mentions that fans eventually left because they couldn't purchase anything. Despite the chaos, he concludes by saying "See you all next year." [golfdigest.com]

The WM Phoenix Open, known for its rowdy atmosphere, will be making changes after overcrowding and safety concerns led to chaos during the tournament. The event had to close its gates and cut fences to thin out the crowd. The inclement weather and record attendance contributed to the issues. The tournament's organizer acknowledged the need for operational decisions to prioritize safety and stated that changes will be implemented to prevent similar incidents in the future. [golf.com]

Golf had three big events over the past three days, with LIV Golf in Las Vegas, the WM Phoenix Open, and Tiger Woods launching his new lifestyle apparel brand. The events were characterized by loud noise and hype, with varying levels of crowd behavior and excitement. The article discusses the experiences at each event and the need for improvements in managing the crowds and maintaining a positive atmosphere. [news18.com]

Canadian golfer Nick Taylor earns a reputation as "Clutch" with his remarkable comeback at the Waste Management Open, securing his fourth PGA Tour victory. Taylor's consistent earnings and steady success make him a benchmark in the competitive world of professional golf. This historic moment in Canadian golf deserves attention. [yardbarker.com]

Tiger Woods's former coach criticizes the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) for not providing points to LIV Golf events. Despite the strong field and top golfers participating, the winners' ranks are dropping, leading to disapproval of the OWGR system. The coach calls the rankings nonsensical and criticizes the golf media for their stance on LIV Golf. [essentiallysports.com]

Bookmakers do not rate Tiger Woods' chances of winning a Major title in 2024 very highly. Despite his recent surgery and optimism, Woods is priced between +6660 (66/1) and +10000 (100/1) to win the Masters, and between +10000 (100/1) and +12500 (125/1) for the PGA Championship. The odds for the US Open and The Open are also unfavorable for Woods. However, considering his competitive nature and past unexpected victories, it is not wise to assume he cannot defy the odds once again. [golfmonthly.com]

Tiger Woods is set to make his return to the PGA Tour at the Genesis Invitational. He plans to have a part-time schedule and hopes to play in one event per month. The potential schedule includes the Players Championship in March, the Masters Tournament in April, the PGA Championship in May, the U.S. Open in June, the Open Championship in July, and the Wyndham Championship in August. [mirror.co.uk]

Tiger Woods has been spotted wearing Sun Day Red shoes at Riviera Country Club ahead of his return to PGA Tour action at the Genesis Invitational. This comes after Woods announced his new clothing line, Sun Day Red, and his split with Nike. In addition to the new shoes, Woods has also made a ball change and will have a new caddie alongside him at the tournament. [golfmonthly.com]

Paige Spiranac takes on Country Club Adjacent's Back Off Challenge, showcasing her golf skills under pressure. She also shares her goals for 2024, including improving her golf handicap, reading more, texting back faster, and posting more authentic content. Spiranac has gained popularity and was one of the most Googled golfers in 2023, second only to Tiger Woods. [golf365.com]

A golf influencer named Jeni Brooke, known as Birdie Babe online, has revealed that she often receives comments about her outfits on the golf course but has never felt unwelcome. She expressed interest in hooking up with golfer Jordan Spieth or someone with intelligence and a sense of humor. However, she stated that she is currently happily single and focused on growing her social media platforms. [dexerto.com]

Ford has joined the LPGA Tour as the title sponsor of the Ford Championship presented by KCC. The tournament will take place at Seville Golf and Country Club in Gilbert, Arizona, from March 28-31, with a $2 million purse. The collaboration aims to elevate the visibility of female athletes in golf and inspire a new generation of fans. Tickets are available for purchase, including daily general admission and four-day passes, as well as access to the San Tan Club pavilion. The LPGA also offers complimentary grounds tickets to current and former U.S. Military members and juniors aged 17 and under. Seville Golf and Country Club features a signature island green on the 17th hole. [lpga.com]

The LPGA Tour is set to return to Southern California in 2024 with two premier events. The FIR HILLS SERI PAK Championship will be hosted at Palos Verdes Golf Club in March, featuring a field of 144 players competing for an elevated purse of $2 million. The JM Eagle LA Championship will take place in April at Wilshire Country Club, with a $3 million purse and complimentary lodging accommodations for all players. Tickets are on sale now for both championships. [calgolfnews.com]

Scottish golfer Paul O'Hara finishes runner-up in the Santa Barbara Open in California. Neil Lockie wins the Northern Texas PGA Professional Development Award. Aidan Lawson performs well in the Murcia Cup in Spain. Alison Davidson represents the Scottish Veteran Ladies' Golfing Association in a match against Ireland. [scotsman.com]

The Amundi Evian Championship, one of the five women's professional golf majors, announces Porsche as a new member of its Sponsors' Club. This partnership marks Porsche's first investment in women's professional golf and aims to enhance the experience for fans of both the automotive brand and the Major. The collaboration reflects a shared commitment to global women's golf and its growth. [lpga.com]

Cindy Miller, a golf instructor from Western New York, has been named one of the top golf instructors in the nation by the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) for the years 2023 to 2025. Miller is among the 11 "elite" instructors chosen by the LPGA, and she has received numerous accolades throughout her career, including being named the 2010 National LPGA Teacher of the Year. [buffalonews.com]

Georgia Men's Golf Team wins the Puerto Rico Classic for the fifth time in school history, defeating Virginia by three shots. The Bulldogs finished 42-under, marking their first tournament victory since May 2023. Bryan Lee of Virginia and Nels Surtani of Purdue tied for the individual competition at 15-under. [amateurgolf.com]

Being a PGA Tour pro can be expensive, with costs including hotels, flights, food, caddie fees, and other expenses. Some players spend around $6000 per week, while top stars may have additional costs for private chefs, trainers, and family members. Annual costs for PGA Tour members are relatively tame compared to weekly expenses. Despite the financial burdens, the allure of guaranteed payouts and the dream of playing professional golf keep many aspiring players motivated. [golfmonthly.com]

This article provides information on the fees paid to LIV Golf players. It includes details on the fees received by players such as Cameron Smith, Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm, Sergio Garcia, and others. The fees range from $10 million to $600 million, with players citing various reasons for joining LIV Golf, including financial incentives and the future of the sport. [golfmagic.com]

Tiger Woods wears red on Sundays as a tribute to his mother's belief that red was his power color. He started wearing red as a junior golfer and continued the tradition throughout his career. Woods has now launched his own clothing brand, Sun Day Red, which prominently features the color red. [golfmonthly.com]

To remove stickers and sticker residue from golf clubs and shafts, the author recommends using Goo Gone, a goo and adhesive remover. It is safe to use on golf clubs but should be avoided on rubber surfaces. Other options suggested by co-workers include using a hair dryer and rubbing alcohol or a heat gun and grip solvent. Goo Gone proved to be effective in removing stickers quickly and easily. [golf.com]

The 2024 Genesis Invitational PGA Tour betting and DFS picks are based on a proprietary model that considers long-term performance, current form, course fit, and past performance at the event. Players such as Ludvig Aberg, Akshay Bhatia, Keegan Bradley, and Sam Burns have shown recent top-15 finishes. Event finish history highlights players like Patrick Cantlay, Tony Finau, Max Homa, and Viktor Hovland. Potential course fits include Adam Hadwin, Sam Burns, Jason Day, Matt Fitzpatrick, Cam Davis, and JT Poston. [thegolfnewsnet.com]

The Genesis Invitational at Riviera Country Club is the PGA Tour's third signature event of 2024. FanDuel Research's Brandon Gdula and Jim Sannes discuss undervalued golfers in the betting and daily fantasy markets, including standout bets at FanDuel Sportsbook and top building blocks for DFS on FanDuel. [fanduel.com]

Wilson has introduced the AI-designed Dynapower Forged irons, made from 8620 carbon steel and featuring Variable Face Thickness for increased ball speeds. The Enhanced Power Hole Technology in the 4-7 irons provides maximum distance, while a high MOI construction and weight redistribution offer forgiveness and higher-launching shots. The irons will be available for purchase next month with various shaft options and a starting price of £900. [golfbusinessnews.com]

PING has launched the s159 wedge series, a new generation of specialty wedges designed to provide more spin and control. The wedges come in 25 loft/grind combinations and are available for custom fitting. PING CEO & President John K. Solheim stated that the new wedges offer advanced performance, expanding fitting options, and have already gained popularity among Tour players. The wedges are accompanied by the WebFit Wedge app, which helps golfers find the best grinds and gapping solutions for their game. The s159 wedges feature a carbon steel head, wheel-cut grooves, and come in six different grinds. They are available in two finishes and have a retail price of $370 each. [golfaustralia.com.au]

The Air Jordan 9 Golf in the White/Black/True Red colorway is making a comeback, staying true to the original design with a glossy mudguard. It features a standard basketball shoe mold instead of the Free-based sole seen in the 2016 version. The golf-ready shoes will likely be available soon on Nike.com with an expected MSRP of $230. [sneakernews.com]

ECCO GOLF has revealed its latest shoe - the LT1, which has been created to offer greater levels of lightness and comfort, something that has been made possible through the introduction of the LYTR technology. [golfshake.com]

Golden Gate Park Golf Course in San Francisco has reopened after a $2.5 million renovation by The First Tee of San Francisco. The course is accessible, affordable, playable, sustainable, and charitable. It features nine par-3 holes and offers a unique golfing experience with its location near the beach and stunning views. The renovation included improvements to the course's accessibility, affordability, playability, sustainability, and charitable initiatives. The course is expected to host over 40,000 rounds of golf per year and is designed to cater to players of all skill levels. [golfweek.usatoday.com]

Designed by the legendary Harry Colt in 1927, Effingham Golf Club has a rich history to draw upon, but its acclaimed offering will only be enhanced once one of the UK's most impressive short game practice areas comes to the Surrey venue in May. [golfshake.com]

Improve your backswing with an indoor golf drill. Focus on the takeaway, which sets up the backswing and impact. PGA Coach Jimmy Wisinski shares a backswing drill that can be done in any doorway. [pga.com]

Dustin Johnson, known for his exceptional ball striking in golf, reveals a key tip to enhance ball striking: maintaining a slight knee flex throughout the swing. This helps generate power, maintain a squared club face at impact, and save strokes on the course. Johnson's recent performances, including a win at the Las Vegas Country Club, can be attributed to this tip. [sportskeeda.com]

In the 1950s, a group of five poor teenagers in Del Rio, Texas, created their own golf course called El Llanito Country Club due to racial segregation. They used a makeshift course with rough conditions and old clubs. Despite the challenges, they won the Texas high school golf championship in 1957. Their story was largely forgotten until it was rediscovered and turned into a book and a film called "The Long Game." The film premiered at the South by Southwest Film & TV Festival and will be released nationwide on April 12, 2024. [texasmonthly.com]

Barcelona, known for its 1996 Olympic legacy, is also home to a collection of superb golf clubs. Notable ones include the Real Club de Golf El Prat, with its 45-hole complex, Barcelona Golf, and Llavanares Golf Club. Other golf courses include Terramar, Vallromanes, and Golf de Montanya. These clubs offer not only golfing experiences but also culinary delights and stunning views. The Barcelona Golf Passport allows golfers to access multiple courses at a fixed price. Apart from golf, visitors can enjoy local wineries and shopping experiences. [calgolfnews.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.