Planet Golf News - February 16, 2024

Malbon Golf has signed another former Nike player, Ryan Ruffels, as part of their growing roster. Ruffels, a former teen prodigy and brother of LPGA Tour player Gabi Ruffels, joins Malbon Golf alongside Jason Day, who ended his association with Nike earlier in the season. Other notable players leaving Nike include Matthew Wolff, Francesco Molinari, and Tiger Woods, who recently launched his own clothing brand. Nike still maintains deals with high-profile players such as Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler, Tommy Fleetwood, Nelly Korda, and Guido Migliozzi. [golfmonthly.com]

Dean Robertson, a former professional golfer and current "high performance golf coach" at the University of Stirling, has been named captain of the Great Britain & Ireland Walker Cup team for the 2025 competition at Cypress Point. This marks the first time a professional golfer has been chosen as captain since the event's inception in 1922. Robertson, who has experience as a player and coach in trans-Atlantic competitions, expressed his excitement and commitment to preparing the team for success. The decision by The R&A to appoint a professional captain follows the appointment of Catriona Matthew as captain of the 2024 GB&I Curtis Cup team. [golfdigest.com]

The WM Phoenix Open has announced a refund policy for fans who were denied entrance on Saturday due to heavy rain and crowding. Fans can request a refund by emailing [email protected]. The incident was part of a series of issues at the tournament, including displays of heavy intoxication and golfers yelling at fans. The Thunderbirds, the group that runs the event, acknowledged the need for changes and expressed their commitment to improving the overall experience for future tournaments. [azcentral.com]

Patrick Cantlay strongly opposes the golf ball rollback plan, believing it would do more harm than good and divert attention from other pressing matters in the sport. Despite low scores being recorded, Cantlay maintains his stance against the policy, emphasizing the increasing popularity of golf and the need to prioritize that. Other PGA Tour pros, including Tiger Woods, have also expressed disapproval of the policy, suggesting a potential bifurcation for pro and amateur players. [essentiallysports.com]

Lydia Ko, a successful professional golfer, discusses the downside of playing pro golf, highlighting the constant scrutiny and evaluation that players face, which can be challenging. Despite the ups and downs, Ko emphasizes the importance of staying balanced in both golf and life. [golf.com]

PGA Tour golfer Ben Griffin's caddie drove six hours to retrieve his lost golf clubs from Phoenix International Airport, ensuring Griffin had his clubs in time for an evening practice round. Despite the inconvenience, Griffin acknowledges that such situations are part of being a professional golfer. [golfdigest.com]

Tiger Woods praises Gary Woodland's return to professional golf after brain surgery, calling it an unbelievable story. Woods urges people to applaud Woodland for his comeback and expresses excitement to play alongside him at the Genesis Invitational. [thesportsrush.com]

Tiger Woods discusses his lack of success at Riviera Country Club, citing his struggles with putting as the primary reason. Despite never winning at the course where he made his Tour debut, Woods remains determined and hopeful to finally secure a victory there. [golf.com]

Adam Scott criticizes the noisy and controversial fan environment at the WM Phoenix Open, suggesting a possible correlation with LIV Golf's influence. The tournament organizers have acknowledged the issues and promised changes for future events to ensure a safer and more enjoyable experience for all players and fans. [sportskeeda.com]

Rory McIlroy has switched to the newly-announced edition of TaylorMade's TP5x golf ball. The ball features a "Speed Wrapped Core" that reduces spin on long shots while enhancing spin around the greens. McIlroy cited lower launch and spin as contributing factors to the change. In testing, he gained distance with his irons and ball speed with his driver. The ball switch coincided with McIlroy's move to TaylorMade's new Qi10 driver, which complements the TP5x ball. The new TP5x and TP5 models will be available at retail on Feb. 15. [pgatour.com]

Tiger Woods debuted his new clothing line, Sun Day Red, at the Genesis Invitational. The outfit features an all-white ensemble with a black hat featuring the Sun Day Red logo, which is a tiger with 15 stripes representing Woods' major wins. The white sweatshirt and black shirt with white stripes complete the look. [sportingnews.com]

Justin Thomas made a hole-in-one during The Genesis Invitational pro-am using the new 2023 edition of the Titleist Pro V1x golf ball, which he switched to in December. The switch has coincided with Thomas' successful start to 2024, with three consecutive top-12 finishes. Thomas underwent an extensive testing process with Titleist's new 2023 Pro V1x, finding more reliability with his irons, especially in the wind. The new golf ball has improved his distance control and performance in the wind. [pgatour.com]

Tiger Woods' iconic TW logo is owned and trademarked by Nike, so he will no longer be able to wear it after splitting from the company. Woods has partnered with TaylorMade to unveil his new Sun Day Red brand, which features a tiger logo with 15 stripes representing his 15 major wins. The new brand will be officially launched on May 1, 2024. [sportingnews.com]

Tiger Woods has a long history at Riviera Country Club, but despite being winless in 14 career starts, his record doesn't reflect his overall performance. Woods has only missed the weekend four times, with two of those instances occurring when he played as an amateur. Excluding those starts, he has consistently finished in the top 20, with several top-25 finishes and a runner-up position in 1999. Despite the mystery surrounding his lack of success at Riviera, Woods remains determined to tackle the course again at the 2024 Genesis Invitational. [heavy.com]

Tiger Woods has unveiled his new clothing line, Sun Day Red, which will be released later this year. However, fans in the UK will not have access to the line. After ending his partnership with Nike Golf, Woods announced his new deal with TaylorMade and introduced Sun Day Red. The clothing line will be available to the general public on May 1, with initial release limited to the United States, Canada, Japan, and South Korea. [mirror.co.uk]

Tony Finau jokingly reacts to his wife's TikTok post about 'selling' his golf clubs for 99 cents after he forgot to ask her to be his Valentine. Finau humorously comments on the situation, stating that he should be asking his wife out and joking about the low value she placed on his clubs. The article also provides insights into Tony and Alayna's relationship and their involvement in charity work through the Tony Finau Foundation. [sportskeeda.com]

Patrick Cantlay's wife, Nikki Guidish, is a pharmacist and fitness model who has been by his side for several years. They got married after the 2023 Ryder Cup in Italy. See pictures of Nikki Guidish on the provided link. [thegolfnewsnet.com]

Jon Rahm received a warning before joining LIV Golf, according to his Ryder Cup comrade Shane Lowry. Lowry advised Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton not to criticize the PGA Tour and DP World Tour after leaving them for LIV Golf. While Lowry was disappointed to see them go, he encouraged them to go gracefully and wished them well. There are differing opinions among players regarding whether there should be penalties for LIV Golf defectors, with Rory McIlroy supporting their return and Rickie Fowler and others calling for some form of punishment. [essentiallysports.com]

Tiger Woods is set to return to the PGA Tour in 2024 after ankle surgery. He declared his ankle is pain-free and is excited to play without discomfort. Woods aims to play in one event per month and is determined to continue competing and being a part of the game of golf. [mirror.co.uk]

Golf fans are excited to see where Tiger Woods will move in the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) if he wins on his PGA Tour return at the Genesis Invitational. Currently ranked 893rd, a win could potentially move him up to 54th in the OWGR, a jump of 839 spots. [golfmagic.com]

Leona Maguire struggled on the greens in Riyadh, finishing with a four-over 76 in the Aramco Saudi Ladies International. Despite playing well throughout, three-putts and windy conditions hindered her performance. She is currently in 66th place, needing to make the cut to continue in the tournament. [irishgolfer.ie]

Bryce Easton takes the lead in the Dimension Data Pro-Am at Fancourt Golf Estate with a sensational nine under par opening round of 63. Easton, who has been working on a new putting method, carded ten birdies and one bogey to move two shots ahead of Benjamin Hébert. Conor Purcell is the best of the Irish, finishing one-under-par after a 71. [irishgolfer.ie]

On day two at Penina Golf Course, John Ross Galbraith and Rowan Lester had level-par rounds, but failed to make any ground. Galbraith finished tied 28th after a level-par 73, while Lester ended the day tied for 33rd. Daniel Smith leads the tournament with a one-stroke advantage going into the final round. [irishgolfer.ie]

The 2024 Aramco Saudi Ladies International has a purse of $5 million, with the winner's share being $750,000. The tournament offers Race to Costa del Sol points, exemptions, and other benefits. The prize money payout for the top 65 players is listed in the table provided. [thegolfnewsnet.com]

Tiger Woods has hired Lance Bennett as his caddie for the Genesis Invitational. Woods explained that their long personal history and similar approach to the game were key factors in the decision. This is Woods' first start of the year, and he has been open about his physical limitations following ankle surgery. He expressed his love for the game and his intention to continue playing. Woods will be playing alongside Gary Woodland and Justin Thomas in the tournament. [golfmonthly.com]

LIV Golf has announced a global partnership with Corpay, making them the Official Corporate FX Provider of LIV Golf. Corpay will manage LIV Golf's corporate foreign exchange transactions and provide innovative solutions for currency exposure in international payments. This partnership allows LIV Golf to manage finances in preferred currencies and ensures consistent transactions between international entities. With a roster of international athletes and a schedule featuring events in eight countries, LIV Golf continues to grow as a global league. [livgolf.com]

The Myrtle Beach World Amateur, the largest and most valuable amateur golf tournament, is now open for early registration. Taking place from August 26-29, 2024, participants who register before March 21 can win $10,000 in random drawing prizes. The tournament offers 72 holes of net, stroke play on different courses each day, access to the World's Largest 19th Hole, and the chance to win various prizes. First-time entrants can save $50 with the code AMGOLF24. More information and registration can be found at MyrtleBeachWorldAmateur.com. [amateurgolf.com]

The Annual MLK Golf Classic, organized by the Coral Springs Martin Luther King, Jr. Committee, aims to raise funds for the MLK Scholarship Fund, providing financial assistance for high school seniors in Coral Springs. Participants can register for the event, which takes place on March 8 at the Country Club of Coral Springs, with a participation fee of $150 per individual or a corporate foursome sponsorship option. The tournament will be followed by an award lunch. For more information and registration, visit the CoralSprings MLKGolf website. [coralspringstalk.com]

Penn State junior Michelle Cox has been named Big Ten Conference Women’s Golfer of the Week for her victory at the 2024 Columbia Classic, where she won by four strokes with a 9-under 207. Cox fired three straight under-par rounds and recorded her first hole-in-one during the practice round. [bigten.org]

The Prestige college golf event at PGA West in La Quinta, California, features top teams and individual players. Ludvig Aberg, who has won the event three times, went on to win the RSM Classic on the PGA Tour. The tournament attracts a large field of 24 teams, including highly ranked teams like Washington, Oregon, Texas Tech, and Duke. The individual competition includes 60 golfers playing for an individual title. The appeal of the tournament lies in the great golf course, weather, and competitive environment. The event also includes a junior golf clinic and exhibits from sponsors. [golfweek.usatoday.com]

During the Genesis Invitational Pro-Am, a clip of Tiger Woods eating a snack on the greens went viral, leading to questions about whether players are allowed to eat during tournaments. It is confirmed that players are allowed to eat on the greens, as long as the snack is non-alcoholic. Tiger Woods is known to be a supporter of snacking during events and has advised other golfers, such as Lexi Thompson, to eat during tournaments. [essentiallysports.com]

Tiger Woods is replacing his older fairway woods with TaylorMade's Qi10 Tour fairway wood at the Genesis Invitational. The Qi10 Tour offers easier drawing and features a 50-gram sliding weight in the sole, providing Woods with a reliable draw shot. He has also switched to a Graphite Design Tour AD VF 7X shaft for the 3-wood, matching the low-launch profile of his driver. [golf.com]

Discover the best golf betting apps and sportsbooks for the year 2024. DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, and Caesars Sportsbook are among the top options, offering various markets and live betting opportunities. Learn how to download a golf betting app and explore different betting options, including outright winners, head-to-head matchups, and prop bets. Live betting on golf tournaments is also explained, along with the 2024 PGA Tour schedule and Masters odds. Betting on other golf majors and team events like the Ryder Cup is covered as well. [sportingnews.com]

Cobra Golf has launched its new AIR-X Irons and Hybrids, designed for both men and women with slower swings. The AIR-X Irons feature improved H.O.T. Face technology, a new Speed Channel, and a progressive low-profile design for faster ball speeds, higher launch, and increased distance. The AIR-X Hybrids have a lightweight construction, forged H.O.T. Face Insert, and back/heel weighting for improved draw bias and easier launch. The complete range of clubs and sets is available starting from February 15th. [golfshake.com]

Cobra Golf has introduced the new AIR-X range of drivers and fairway woods, designed to assist golfers with smoother tempos and average to moderate swing speeds. The AIR-X Driver features a thinner face insert for increased speed and distance, while the fairway woods offer back/heel weighting and a forged face insert for improved forgiveness and ball speed. A women's version is also available. The complete AIR-X driver and woods will be available starting today. [golfshake.com]

OGIO Europe has introduced a new collection of bespoke golf bags for the 2024 season. The Fuse Stand Bag offers a lightweight and functional carry option with unique designs, while the All Elements Silencer Cart Bag features OGIO's silencer technology for club organization. The All Elements Woode Hybrid Bag is also available in bold designs. The 2024 golf bag range is complemented by premium golf accessories. Prices range from £229/€269 to £319/€369. [golfshake.com]

Callaway Golf introduces the Paradym Ai Smoke driver for 2024, utilizing AI technology and data analysis from over 250,000 golfers. The driver comes in four models and is priced at $600 each. [calgolfnews.com]

TaylorMade has improved their TP5 and TP5x golf balls for 2024 with new technologies. The speed-layer system incorporates High-Flex Material (HFM) into the mantle, providing faster speeds with a softer feel and improved sound. This material-level advancement allows for the best feel in the industry with faster constructions. Golfers, including Rory McIlroy, have praised the performance of the new TP5 balls, noting lower launch and spin, increased speed, and improved greenside control. [golf.com]

Lee Trevino and his son Daniel have launched the Super Mex Golf clothing line, featuring their trademark Sombrero logo. The retro style has been well-received, and the pair gained buyers for their brand at the recent PGA Merchandise Show. Lee Trevino believes the iconic logo and their decision to remain independent will contribute to the success of their clothing line. He also expressed pride in his Mexican heritage and hopes to see Daniel succeed in the business. [ktla.com]

In the latest round of robot testing, PXG's Black Ops drivers performed well, particularly the 10.5-degree head. It showed tight mishit carry distance deltas and gained distance on high-center misses. The testing highlights the importance of getting fit for a driver to optimize launch, spin, and mishit protection. The Black Ops driver design represents a new frontier with improved performance characteristics on common misses. [golf.com]

The TaylorMade TP5 (2024) golf ball is reviewed as a top alternative to the Titleist Pro V1. With a new Speed Wrapped Core and progressive 5-layer construction, the TP5 offers enhanced speed, feel, and control. It is favored by professional golfers like Rory McIlroy and Dustin Johnson. The TP5x model prioritizes ball speed, while the TP5 model prioritizes a softer feel and enhanced spin around the green. The TP5 (2024) is recommended for decent players and those seeking the best golf balls available. [todays-golfer.com]

Tiger Woods will be using TaylorMade equipment for the Genesis Invitational, including the Qi10 LS driver, Qi10 Tour 3-wood, M3 fairway wood, P770 and P-7TW irons, MG4 wedges, Scotty Cameron putter, and Bridgestone Tour B X golf ball. This marks his debut with the Qi10 LS driver in a professional golf event. [thesportsrush.com]

In golf, whether you can clean mud off your ball depends on the specific rules in effect. If no Local Rules are in effect, you must play a ball with mud on it. However, on a putting green, you can mark, lift, and clean your ball. You can also lift and clean your ball when it’s embedded in the general area of a course. There are exceptions where you're allowed to lift and clean your ball beyond the putting green, such as when taking free or penalty relief. However, under Rule 14, you can't clean your ball to see if it is cut or cracked, to identify it (unless necessary), if mud interferes with play, or to see if the ball lies in a condition where relief is allowed (unless you then take relief). [golfdigest.com]

Los Angeles offers a variety of golf courses for all types of players, from exclusive clubs to accessible public courses. Notable courses include Trump National Golf Club, Rustic Canyon Golf Course, and Oak Quarry Golf Club. Other options include the Los Robles Greens, Rancho Park Golf Course, and Black Gold Golf Club. For those seeking a historic experience, Griffith Park Golf Course offers two layouts dating back to the 1920s. The city's golf scene caters to all budgets, with many courses offering greens fees under $100. [golfdigest.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.