Planet Golf News - February 15, 2024

The Chubb Classic in Naples presents an opportunity for new champions with Bernhard Langer out due to injury. Steve Stricker, known for his accuracy and short game, has a strong chance to win. Padraig Harrington, the longest and straightest player, is also a top contender. Ernie Els, Steven Alker, Jim Furyk, and Davis Love are all players to watch. David Toms is a skilled chipper and putter, while Fred Couples, if healthy, can also contend. Ultimately, the best putter will likely come out on top. [napelsnews.com]

PGA Tour Champions golfer Steven Alker discusses his game heading into the 2024 Chubb Classic. [sports.yahoo.com]

The field for The Masters 2024 is taking shape, with many invites already received. The eligibility of LIV Golf players is not an issue this year, and invites have been sent to those who qualified for last year's event. Defending champion Jon Rahm, along with other LIV Golf players like Brooks Koepka and Phil Mickelson, will be among the favorites. Other notable players include Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, and Scottie Scheffler. The list of qualified players and the qualifying criteria are also provided. [golfmonthly.com]

Charley Hoffman, who secured a spot in the Genesis Invitational after a runner-up finish, encountered Tiger Woods in the locker room at Riviera. Hoffman had previously asked Woods for a sponsor's invitation and was denied. Woods took the opportunity to deliver a well-timed compliment/dig, showcasing their long-standing competition as both are nearing significant milestones in their careers. [golfdigest.com]

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen had a perfect reaction to Tiger Woods' golf swing at the PGA Tour's Genesis Invitational. Allen, who is a big fan of Woods, was paired with him during the Pro-Am portion of the event. Woods has a new caddie, Lance Bennett, for his PGA Tour season debut at the Genesis Invitational. [yardbarker.com]

Tiger Woods, ahead of his return to professional golf, states that his ankle is pain-free after ankle fusion surgery but acknowledges that his body is still adjusting. Despite the challenges, Woods expresses his love for the game and his desire to continue playing for as long as possible. [independent.co.uk]

Tiger Woods chose Gary Woodland for a sponsor's exemption at the Genesis Invitational due to Woodland's battle with a brain tumor and his inspiring comeback. Woods praised Woodland for overcoming the surgery and returning to play on the tour, emphasizing the importance of recognizing his journey. The two will be grouped together for the tournament, along with Justin Thomas. [golfdigest.com]

Scottie Scheffler shares two keys to his unique driver setup: having a solid base in the setup and swinging your own swing. He emphasizes the importance of not overcomplicating things and focusing on good fundamentals, including a correct grip. Scheffler also mentions using a wider stance for the driver and tilting his hip towards the target to achieve a better swing path for hitting up on the ball. [golf.com]

Harold Varner III announces that he and his wife Amanda are expecting their second child, with their first son Liam soon becoming a big brother. Varner III, a golfer, recently joined the LIV Golf Tour and has found success, including a victory in 2023. The next LIV Tour event will take place in Saudi Arabia in March 2024. The news of the upcoming baby may add some pressure to Varner III as he balances work and family life. [sportskeeda.com]

Tiger Woods has yet to win at Riviera despite his record-breaking career. His closest call came in 1999 when he finished as a runner-up. Woods has struggled with putting at the course and has only had a few top-10 finishes in his 14 starts. Although he returned to Riviera in 2018 as the tournament host, a win at this iconic venue remains elusive for one of golf's greatest. [golfmonthly.com]

Tiger Woods' late-career absence from competitive golf has made his return to the sport even more compelling. After a devastating car accident in 2021, many believed his competitive golf days were over. However, he is making a comeback at the Riviera event, and his performance remains unpredictable. Despite the uncertainty, Tiger's return to the sport is a must-watch moment for fans, as his ability to construct narratives and his unparalleled competitive edge have made him a legendary figure in golf. [thefriedegg.com]

Tiger Woods' return to golf is highly anticipated, as he has been a significant figure in the sport. While his presence draws attention and excitement, there are doubts about his ability to compete at a high level. The PGA Tour is in need of Tiger's competitive spirit, rather than just his merchandise sales. The hope is that this comeback will be successful. [irishgolfer.ie]

Capital One's The Match, a made-for-TV golf event, has evolved into a sports spectacle featuring top golfers and celebrity athletes. The previous editions have had highs and lows, with moments of great play and awkward trash-talk. The upcoming ninth edition will include women for the first time. Each edition has raised millions of dollars for charity and aimed to appeal to a wider audience. [golfdigest.com]

Eric Cole, despite being a relatively short and inaccurate hitter, has excelled on the PGA Tour. In his rookie season, he achieved impressive results and won Rookie of the Year honors, despite ranking below average in distance and accuracy. Cole attributes his success to his focus on his own game and his elite play around the greens. [golf.com]

Tiger Woods showed his love for In-N-Out burger by devouring a double-double at the Genesis Invitational Pro-Am. The California-based burger chain has a cult-like following and Woods' endorsement adds to its popularity. Despite not being a fan of pickles, Woods enjoyed the burger and it may be his secret to success at Riviera, where he is yet to win. [golfdigest.com]

Tiger Woods has unveiled his new apparel line, Sun Day Red, partnering with TaylorMade. Golf influencer Paige Spiranac humorously responded with a tweet about her own clothing line logo, referencing her performance in her first pro tournament. Spiranac's comedic approach and self-deprecating humor are part of her charm, while Woods' logo represents his 15 major championships. This partnership with TaylorMade follows Woods' split with Nike after 27 years. [sbnation.com]

Jeni Brooke, also known as Birdie Babe, is a golfer and golf influencer who has gained popularity on Instagram. Known for her tight crop tops and short skirts on the golf course, she has received attention for her appearance but has never felt unwelcome. She expressed interest in fellow golfer Jordan Spieth and discussed her ideal man being either a golfer or a doctor. With over 100,000 followers on Instagram, Jeni shares videos and photos of her golfing adventures. [thesportsgrail.com]

The Aramco Ladies International is a tournament in the Ladies European Tour played at Riyadh Golf Club in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. It is a four-round strokeplay event with a prize money of $5,000,000. Lydia Ko is the defending champion. The tournament takes place from February 15 to February 18, 2024. The Ladies European Tour provides a platform for talented female golfers to compete at a high level and gain international recognition. [golfpost.com]

Georgia Hall praises the Aramco Saudi Ladies International for its impact on local women and girls, with the tournament helping to increase the number of registered female golfers in Saudi Arabia from fewer than 20 to over 1000. The event has also achieved prize fund parity with the men's tournament, signaling progress and growth in women's golf. [gulfnews.com]

The Mexico Open, a PGA Tour event, will be held in Puerto Vallarta from Feb. 22 to 25. The tournament offers a purse of $8.1 million and 500 FedEx Cup points to the winner. It is the only PGA tournament of the week and will feature 144 players from around the world. The event is known for giving opportunities to Latin American players. Broadcast coverage will be available on NBC, ESPN+, and the Golf Channel. [mexiconewsdaily.com]

John Ross Galbraith had a solid start on day one of the Penina Open in Portugal, shooting a one-under 72 to lie tied for 23rd. He is three shots off the lead, with two more rounds to make ground. Adam Winter and Tom Spreadborough lead at -4. [irishgolfer.ie]

England Golf celebrated its 100th anniversary with a Centenary Dinner & Awards, inducting 12 names into the England Golf Hall of Fame. The event recognized individuals and clubs for their contributions to the game of golf, with awards given in various categories. The winners received engraved glass trophies and gift hampers to mark their achievements. [golfmagic.com]

The LPGA has secured a new title sponsor, the Ford Motor Company, for the upcoming Ford Championship in March. This partnership signifies the growth and value of women's sports, as well as the increasing purses in women's golf tournaments, such as the U.S. Women's Open. With rising stars and established players, the women's game is thriving. [sbnation.com]

After the first six rounds of the 2024 LIV Golf League, key takeaways include the success of the offseason trade between Smash GC and RangeGoats GC, Dustin Johnson's strong start to the season, Jon Rahm's competitiveness, the consistent finishes of Scott and Kieran Vincent, the parity on the podium with different individual and team finishers in each tournament, and the impact of the new format change on counting scores in the final round. [livgolf.com]

The University of Arkansas men's golf team claimed the title at the Palmas del Mar Collegiate in Puerto Rico, shooting 8 under in the final round to beat the tournament host by seven shots. Arkansas put four players in the top 12, with their winning score of 27 under tying for the eighth-best 54-hole result in program history. The team looks forward to their next competition, the Cabo Collegiate in Mexico. [arkansasonline.com]

At Riviera Country Club, the par-3 sixth hole features a unique design by George C. Thomas: a bunker in the middle of the green. This design creates four quadrants on the putting surface, allowing players to shape shots and use spin to reach different hole locations. The bunker serves as an aiming point and adds challenge to putting from quadrant to quadrant. Despite the obstacle, there have been 14 holes-in-one on this hole during the Genesis Invitational tournament. [thegolfnewsnet.com]

Riviera Country Club's 10th hole presents a decision for PGA Tour players: go for the green or lay up? Data shows that players who go for the green have a significant advantage, despite the small and challenging green. The hole is relatively easy but still poses a challenge, with the potential for birdies or worse. [thegolfnewsnet.com]

Riviera Country Club is called "Hogan's Alley" because of the success of golfer Ben Hogan at the club in the late 1940s. Hogan won multiple tournaments at Riviera, including the Los Angeles Open and the U.S. Open, setting records and establishing the club as a special place in his career. Despite other players' success at Riviera, it will always be associated with Hogan. [thegolfnewsnet.com]

PING has introduced its new series of wedges, the s159, designed to offer more spin and control around the greens. With 25 loft/grind combinations, these wedges are available for custom fitting and pre-sale at authorized PING golf shops worldwide. The wedges feature a tour-inspired design, wheel-cut grooves for consistency and control, and a WebFit Wedge app to help golfers determine the best grind for their game. PING CEO & President, John K. Solheim, stated that the new wedges have already gained popularity on Tour and are loved for their clean look, soft feel, and precise control. [golfshake.com]

Callaway is launching its lineup of golf bags for 2024, offering a wide array of options for different types of players. The bags feature innovative technologies such as Shaft Shield™ dividers, Lowrider 2.0™ integration with carts, Flex Pod™ Base for stability, and Anamatic™ double straps for comfort. The Fairway 14, Fairway+, Fairway C, Fairway C HD, and Par 3 bags each have their own unique features and price points, catering to various needs and preferences. [golfcity.com]

Caley Golf, founded by Ryan Atha, has become a successful challenger brand in the golf equipment market. Offering affordable clubs with reliable performance, Caley aims to make golf more accessible. Their flagship offerings include the 01 and 01T iron sets, known for their sleek design and forgiveness. With positive customer reviews and a growing community, Caley Golf is making its mark in the industry. [bunkered.co.uk]

Tiger Woods is participating in the 2024 Genesis Invitational and his golf equipment has generated interest. He is using the TaylorMade Qi10 LS driver, TaylorMade P·7TW irons, TaylorMade P·770 3-iron, and Bridgestone's new 2024 Tour B X ball. His putter is the Scotty Cameron Newport 2 GSS. Some wear and tear is visible on his equipment, but he continues to perform well. [golfweek.usatoday.com]

The historic Jekyll Island golf resort in coastal Georgia is undergoing a multi-year, $20-million renovation plan for its golf courses. The project includes re-turfing and updating the irrigation system of the Pine Lakes course, followed by the restoration of the Great Dunes course and the addition of nine new holes. The renovation aims to make Jekyll Island an attractive golf vacation option along the East Coast once again. [golfpass.com]

The Buenaventura Golf Course in California faces an uncertain future after suffering from multiple floods and extensive damage caused by storms. Last year, the course was flooded by the Santa Clara River, resulting in millions of dollars in repairs. Recently, another flood caused significant damage, including the destruction of sand traps and the need to rebuild two greens. The future of the course relies on funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and there is hope that it will be repaired and reopened for play. [thesportsrush.com]

Dumfries & County Golf Club in Scotland's "forgotten corner" has secured funding for a new state-of-the-art practice facility. The facility will include a four-bay range, four-hole academy course, and a short-game area, with the aim of fostering the development of golf in the area. The project will support junior programs and provide all-weather facilities for young players. The facility will also benefit the club's ladies' and introductory membership programs, promoting diversity and long-term stability. [scotsman.com]

Using a tennis ball can help improve your putting stroke by testing accuracy and speed. Hitting a tennis ball can reveal flaws in your stroke, such as being too jabby or lacking good speed and line. Practicing with a tennis ball can build confidence for putting with a golf ball. [golf.com]

Mass Golf is celebrating Black History Month by featuring the stories and achievements of African Americans in the game of golf. This includes highlighting Renee Powell, one of the first Black women to join the LPGA Tour, and Curtis Merritt, who landed a spot on Howard University's golf program. Mass Golf aims to honor these individuals and their contributions to the sport. [massgolf.org]

Sotogrande Spa and Golf Resort Hotel has launched new stay and play packages that offer guests an incredible golf experience at some of Spain and Europe's best courses. The packages include the Sotogrande Golf Tour Classic, featuring renowned courses such as Real Club Valderrama and La Reserva Club, and the Golf Escape package, offering rounds of golf at Almenara Golf and La Reserva Club. The packages include accommodation at the five-star SO/ Sotogrande Spa and Golf Resort, along with various amenities and discounts. [bunkered.co.uk]

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.