Planet Golf News - February 2, 2024

The AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am golf tournament is expected to face heavy winds and rain throughout the weekend, potentially causing delays and challenging playing conditions. The California fire protection department is monitoring the situation, particularly for falling trees. The forecast suggests a 33% chance of rain each day, with Sunday having a high chance of rain and strong winds, possibly leading to a Monday finish. [sportingnews.com]

The second round of the 2024 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am begins on Friday, February 2. Scottie Scheffler, the World No. 1, will be competing alongside Justin Rose. The tee times for the second round can be found in the article. [golf.com]

Nick Dunlap, winner of The American Express 2024, is making his professional debut at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. He describes the experience as better than being in class and is grateful for the opportunity to chase his professional dreams. Dunlap went from being a collegiate golfer to entering the PGA Tour winner's circle in just two weeks. [sportskeeda.com]

Rory McIlroy had a solid start in the Pebble Beach Pro-Am, but a series of bogeys and a two-stroke penalty caused him to fall back in the leaderboard. Thomas Detry took the first-round lead with a nine-under 63, followed by Patrick Cantlay in second place. The tournament features a $20 million purse and no 36-hole cut. [skysports.com]

Patrick Cantlay shoots an impressive 8-under 64 at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, trailing Thomas Detry by one shot. Cantlay, despite his involvement in PGA Tour board matters, remains focused on his game. Rory McIlroy suffers a setback with a two-stroke penalty, finishing with a 71. The tournament sees good scoring due to favorable conditions. [newsday.com]

The AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am features a loaded field of 80 pros, including top players like Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, Viktor Hovland, and Justin Thomas. The amateurs will play alongside their partners for the first two rounds before the pros take over. Notable pairings include Hideki Matsuyama and Buster Posey, Keegan Bradley and Tom Brady, and Maverick McNealy and Condoleezza Rice. [golfweek.usatoday.com]

The 2024 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am will have a strong field of players, a new course rotation, and a $20 million prize purse. Unlike traditional PGA Tour events, there will be no cut this year. The tournament will still have a Pro-Am, but only select famous athletes will participate. The event will host 80 players across four rounds, with professionals advancing to the weekend rounds at Pebble Beach. Coverage will be available on ESPN+, PGA Tour Live, and Golf Channel. [progolfnow.com]

The AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am has undergone several changes, including a smaller field, a shortened pro-am component, and restrictions on the participation of non-athlete celebrities. The course setup has also been altered, with narrower fairways, particularly noticeable on the 6th hole. The changes have received mixed reviews, with some praising the challenge and others criticizing the narrowing of the fairway. [golf.com]

Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers are set to face off in a golf competition at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. Brady has an 8-handicap while Rodgers has a 4-handicap, indicating Brady's better golfing ability. The tournament offers a prize of over $20 million. [essentiallysports.com]

LIV Golf's 2024 season kicks off with the arrival of Jon Rahm, bringing star power and legitimacy to the breakaway series. Rahm's recruitment of Ryder Cup teammate Tyrrell Hatton further weakens the PGA Tour and other rival circuits. LIV Golf's $500 million investment and collaboration with Google Cloud add to its growing appeal. While the PGA Tour secures its own investment, LIV Golf's positive trajectory remains unaffected, with hopes for a future merger between the two entities. [dailymail.co.uk]

The LIV Golf Mayakoba tournament will feature a 54-player field competing for a $25 million purse. The first round will have a shotgun start at 1:15 p.m. ET, with golfers teeing off at the same time on different holes in groups of three. The grouping for the first round includes notable players such as Jon Rahm, Dustin Johnson, Bryson DeChambeau, and Tyrrell Hatton. Additionally, the document provides the schedule for the 2024 LIV Golf events, including the upcoming Las Vegas tournament and the venues for each event. [sportskeeda.com]

The LIV Golf tour kicks off with its first event in Mayakoba, Mexico, featuring a field of 48 golfers competing for a $4 million top prize. Superstar Jon Rahm, the latest face of LIV Golf, is heavily favored to win. Other notable players include Joaquin Niemann, Tyrrell Hatton, Bryson DeChambeau, and Dustin Johnson. Charles Howell III, the defending champion, is not considered a strong bet due to inconsistency. Rahm, with odds of +475, is expected to make a strong debut in the LIV Tour. [sportingnews.com]

"Full Swing" is an immersive docuseries that follows professional golfers on the PGA Tour, including the major championships and the Ryder Cup. Season 2 introduces drama with a proposed agreement between the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, and the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia. The series also delves into the personal lives of the golfers. Premiering on March 6, the first season is available on Netflix. [golfpunkhq.com]

LIV Golf's partnership with Google is revolutionizing the viewing experience, surpassing the PGA Tour's efforts. The PGA Tour struggles to improve the at-home viewing experience, facing criticism for frequently changing broadcasters and a difficult user experience. Fans and analysts react, praising LIV Golf's advancements and criticizing the PGA Tour's shortcomings. The future of golf seems to lie with LIV Golf's innovative methods. [essentiallysports.com]

The LIV Golf League has announced format changes for its third season, including all final-round scores counting for teams. Previously, three scores counted each day, but now all four team scores will count on the final day. The league has also expanded to 54 players, with a new team captained by Jon Rahm. Other changes include a redistribution of the individual purse, revisions to the season-long individual standings, and adjustments to the points system and team championship qualifications. [si.com]

Tiger Woods praises the $3 billion investment deal between Strategic Sports Group (SSG) and the PGA Tour, expressing gratitude for believing in the sport and highlighting the potential for growth. SSG has committed to an immediate cash injection of $1.5 billion, with the possibility of doubling the investment over time. The deal allows PGA Tour members to hold equity in PGA Tour Enterprises as a reward for staying loyal and shunning LIV Golf. Woods has been actively supporting the PGA Tour in its battle against LIV Golf, including the announcement of The Golf League (TGL) with Rory McIlroy. [espress.co.uk]

Bernhard Langer suggests a solution for golf's distance fight by making golf balls and holes bigger. He believes that increasing the size of the balls would reduce their distance and pushing more air, while enlarging the holes would address the issue of longer golf courses. Langer acknowledges the ongoing debate on the topic and highlights the challenges faced in finding a resolution. [golf.com]

Paul McGinley criticizes the PGA Tour deal, stating that it only benefits the already wealthy golfers and does not engage the public. He expresses disappointment with the changes in golf and the divisive nature of the sport. McGinley emphasizes the need for golf to come together and provide an exciting experience for fans, rather than focusing on team golf or financial gains. [tennisworldusa.org]

Bryson DeChambeau and his teammate Paul Casey discuss the future of brand sponsorship in LIV Golf. DeChambeau talks about the dependence on the PGA Tour-PIG merger and the potential for commercialization once the merger is figured out. Casey mentions that Nike is not leaving the golf scene but is going through an audit. The sponsors are hesitating to invest in the league at the moment. The PGA Tour and PIF merger is expected to be finalized soon. [essentiallysports.com]

Jordan Spieth believes that the PGA Tour's $3 billion deal with Strategic Sports Group is so positive that the Tour may not need to bring the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) on board. Spieth also mentioned that a PIF deal is not critical to the PGA Tour or the future of golf. Additionally, he discussed the potential return of LIV Golf players and mentioned that PGA Tour players have mixed opinions on whether there should be some form of punishment. The deal with Strategic Sports Group allows players to grab $1.5 billion in equity shares and brings in expertise from figures in American sport and media. [golfmonthly.com]

Tiger Woods praises the Strategic Sports Group (SSG) for their belief in golf and the PGA Tour after a $3 billion private investment deal. SSG's initial contribution of $1.5 billion will fund the launch of PGA Tour Enterprises and allow for co-investment from the Saudi Public Investment Fund in the future. Woods expresses gratitude for SSG's support and highlights the potential growth and meritocracy in golf. [golfmagic.com]

Viktor Hovland, the Norwegian golfer, received support from fellow pros after criticizing the PGA Tour for their arrogance. In an interview, Hovland expressed his honest thoughts about the Tour and received text messages of support from other players. He stood by his remarks and did not regret speaking his mind, despite some backlash on the internet. Hovland will be participating in his second event of the season after the Sentry in January. [essentiallysports.com]

Tyrrell Hatton, the English golfer, has joined LIV Golf but has not given up hope of playing on the PGA Tour and DP World Tour. Negotiations between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf are ongoing, and Hatton is open to the possibility of returning to the other two tours. Rory McIlroy has softened his stance on LIV players returning to the PGA Tour, suggesting a punishment-free pathway back. Hatton expressed his excitement about joining LIV and the team element of the league. [golfmonthly.com]

Tyrrell Hatton and Jon Rahm express their thoughts on Rory McIlroy's change of stance regarding punishments for rival league players. Hatton mentions that he has spoken to McIlroy and it's not surprising to hear his comments in the media. Rahm believes it's important for a player like McIlroy to acknowledge the evolving landscape of golf and the need for change. Both Hatton and Rahm remain members of the DP World Tour. [golfmagic.com]

Wyndham Clark criticizes the impact of LIV Golf and expresses that no one is truly invested in the Cleeks team. He highlights the difference between representing a LIV Golf team and representing your country in events like the Ryder Cup, emphasizing the powerful feeling of representing one's country. Clark's comments shed light on the criticism against LIV Golf's failure to create a fanbase and capitalize on their teams. [essentiallysports.com]

During the Ryder Cup, Patrick Cantlay's motivation came from a bet with his playing partner, Wyndham Clark, rather than the European crowd. Clark challenged Cantlay to a money game, offering $5,000 for the first five birdies and an additional $1,000 for each birdie after that. Cantlay's birdies on the final holes helped them win their match, proving that the motivation was effective. [golfdigest.com]

Michael Phelps hints at a potential return to the Waste Management Phoenix Open golf tournament, with a partnership with the brand G/FORE worth $7.4 million. Phelps showcased his white golf shoes with a sky-blue sole on Instagram, sparking curiosity about a collaboration. His previous appearances and skills on the golf course have garnered attention and raised funds for charity. [essentiallysports.com]

Joe LaCava, a renowned caddie, shares insights into his career and experiences working with top golfers like Fred Couples, Tiger Woods, and Patrick Cantlay. LaCava emphasizes the competitive nature of caddying and the importance of trust and camaraderie between caddie and player. He also highlights the role of a caddie in providing valuable information and boosting a player's confidence. [golf.com]

The debate surrounding transgender athletes in golf raises questions about fairness and the impact of hormone replacement therapy. While policies regarding transgender inclusion vary in different sports, concerns remain about potential advantages in bone density and muscle mass. The lack of standardized regulations creates challenges in both professional and amateur golf. Safeguarding the progress made in women's golf and creating a fair environment for female players is crucial. [golfmonthly.com]

Learn everything you need to know about the Saudi-backed LIV Golf League, including its history, format, players and teams, controversies, and its potential impact on the DP World Tour and PGA Tour. LIV Golf is a breakaway golf tour that offers a unique format with smaller fields competing over 54 holes, no cut, and a team-based competition. The league has attracted top players with lucrative deals and significant financial incentives. However, LIV Golf has faced controversy due to its funding from Saudi Arabia and allegations of sportswashing. There have been discussions of a potential merger with the PGA Tour and DP World Tour, but no agreement has been reached yet. [todays-golfer.com]

This article explores six sets of famous siblings in the world of golf, including the Korda sisters, the Molinari brothers, the Højgaard twins, the Jutanugarn sisters, the Lee siblings, and the Fitzpatrick brothers. Each set has achieved success in their respective careers, with notable wins and achievements in professional golf. [golfmonthly.com]

The PGA Tour-Fenway Deal will provide $900 million in equity shares to players, but Tiger Woods may not be eligible due to his low ranking. The deal with Fenway Sports also complicates the ongoing negotiations with the PIF. [essentiallysports.com]

PGA Tour winner Michael Kim had a humorous reaction to being snubbed in a fantasy golf league draft. Despite his recent strong performances, Kim was not selected in the draft. He expressed his disappointment on Twitter but handled the situation well. There is still a chance for him to be picked up by a team via free agency.

Ashley Perez, the wife of LIV Golf pro Pat Perez, shared an Instagram post throwing shade at him after news of their divorce filing became public. The post refers to her past relationship with a narcissist and suggests similarities with Pat. The couple had previously filed for divorce in November and Ashley requested sole legal decision-making for their children. Pat's attorneys requested joint legal decision-making and equal parenting time. [wbznewsradio.iheart.com]

PGA Tour superstar Rory McIlroy has surprised many by changing his stance on LIV Golf, stating that he would welcome players back to the PGA Tour without punishment. This shift in opinion has generated a lot of reactions on social media, with some speculating about potential financial incentives. The change coincides with the PGA Tour nearing a deal with Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, which funds LIV Golf. [thecomeback.com]

LIV Golf made a major error by misspelling Jon Rahm's name in the opening graphic and also botching his team name. Despite facing difficulties in moving to LIV Golf, Rahm is gearing up for his official event in Mexico. He is now joined by his Ryder Cup teammate Tyrrell Hatton, and fans are eager to see how they will perform in the 2024 season. [yardbarker.com]

Highlights of the first round of the Bahrain Championship at the Royal Golf Club. [skysports.com]

Gary Hurley makes an excellent return to action at the Challenge Tour season-opener in South Africa, finishing day one tied for 16th with a four-under 68. Dermot McElroy and Ronan Mullarney also had solid starts, while Wilco Nienaber and Alexander Levy share the first round lead at -8. [irishgolfer.ie]

The Tito's Shorties Classic, taking place on February 6, brings together golf's biggest personalities, including professional players like Keith Mitchell, Harry Higgs, and Joel Dahmen, as well as amateur players such as Robby Berger, Nick Stube, and Joe Demare. The event is a Skins game, with teams playing for charities of their choice. Tito's alone will donate $350,000. The national premiere will be on February 6 on the Golf Channel, with streaming available the next day on Peacock. [golfcity.com]

French golfer Tom Vaillant shot a bogey-free 8-under 64 to take a one-stroke lead after the first round of the Bahrain Championship. Vaillant birdied eight of his final 13 holes to overtake Zander Lombard and Joel Girrbach, while Rasmus Hojgaard sits three strokes off the lead. [newsday.com]

The PGA TOUR and Strategic Sports Group (SSG) have signed a $3 billion deal to launch PGA TOUR Enterprises, allowing nearly 200 PGA TOUR members to become equity holders. The deal could impact the future of professional golf, with potential co-investment from the Public Investment Fund (PIF) and opportunities for future PGA TOUR players to benefit from the business's growth. The partnership aims to strengthen the collective investment of players in the success of the PGA TOUR and enhance the sport for players, tournaments, fans, and partners. [sportsvideo.org]

It's time for another Golfshake Podcast! Ryan Rastall and Matt Holbrook discuss a range of topics, including the management of competitions at golf clubs and whether shorter formats could help to speed up the game. [golfshake.com]

The article discusses the broken state of professional golf and explores potential solutions. It highlights the historical principles that guided pro golf and how they have been compromised. The influence of private equity and the Saudi Public Investment Fund is mentioned as a potential source of change. The article also touches on the challenges faced by governing bodies and the potential impact on major championships. However, it emphasizes that recreational golf remains healthy and shows sustainable growth. [golfdigest.com]

Here are four key things to know for LIV Golf's 2024 season: a $3B deal between PGA TOUR and an investment group, the return of top talent at Pebble Beach, the absence of celebrities but familiar weather at Pebble Beach, and Rory McIlroy advocating against punishing LIV stars on their TOUR return. [thescore.com]

Golf can be a beneficial addition to a sober lifestyle for several reasons. It offers gentle exercise in nature, provides social connection without the bar scene, promotes mindful focus and concentration, offers stress relief and relaxation, and allows for goal setting and achievement. Golf can be a supportive and therapeutic activity for those in recovery. [nationalclubgolfer.com]

The LPGA announced changes to their annual match play event, including a new sponsor, date, extended field, and format. The tournament will now have 96 players and be called the T-Mobile Match Play, presented by MGM Rewards. The event will take place at Shadow Creek Golf Course in Las Vegas from April 3-7, 2024. The purse will be increased by 30% and players' hotel expenses will be covered. The new format will include stroke and match play, similar to the NCAA format. Nelly Korda and other top players have already committed to the event. [sbnation.com]

New LIV signing, Lucas Herbert, expresses concerns about the relevance of majors in golf due to the limitations imposed by the Official World Golf Rankings (OWGR). Despite being ineligible for major championships, Herbert prioritizes joining LIV Golf over the risk of missing out on career-defining tournaments. He believes that the current ranking system does not accurately assess the skills of golfers, as evidenced by the decline in rankings of top players like Dustin Johnson and Bryson DeChambeau. Herbert suggests that if the majors do not include the best players, their significance may diminish. [bunkered.co.uk]

This document provides an overview of the upcoming spring season for ACC women's golf teams. It highlights the tournaments that will be played by different schools and mentions recent results. The ACC had a successful fall season, with multiple teams winning tournament titles. The document also includes rankings and individual achievements of ACC golfers. [theacc.com]

The University of Tennessee women's golf team will be participating in the Collegiate Invitational at Guadalajara Country Club in Mexico. The tournament will take place on February 2nd and 3rd and will feature 27 holes each day. The Lady Vols are coming off a successful fall season and will be led by seniors Vanessa Gilly and Kayla Holden, as well as sophomore Manassanan Chotikabhukkana. Live scoring will be available, and updates can be found on the team's social media accounts. [utsports.com]

The University of Alabama is constructing a new premier golf complex worth $40 million. The complex will include a nine-hole course, a golf house, a cart barn, and a golf maintenance facility. The project is expected to be completed by July and will provide top facilities for the university's athletes and students. [constructionequipmentguide.com]

PGA Jr. League registration is now open, offering kids of all skill levels the opportunity to learn and play golf in a team format. Led by expert PGA of America Golf Professional Coaches, the league is divided into two age divisions and emphasizes confidence-building and sportsmanship. The program, supported by the PGA of America's foundation, PGA REACH, aims to make golf accessible to all youth and offers scholarships for financial assistance. Recreational seasons take place year-round, with All-Star teams competing in the National Car Rental PGA Jr. League Championship Season. [mngolf.org]

Motocaddy has unveiled its new cart bag range for 2024, featuring a variety of models including the M-TECH, Dry-Series, Club-Series, Lite-Series, and HydroFLEX. The bags offer different features and color options, providing golfers with a wide selection to match their preferences. The M-TECH cart bag stands out with its luxury finishes and top-quality materials, while the Dry-Series bags are lightweight and 100% waterproof. The Club-Series bags offer a combination of value and style, and the Lite-Series is the lightest and most compact option. The HydroFLEX carry bag is designed for flexibility and comfort, with a waterproof and lightweight design. Overall, the new range aims to provide golfers with functional and eye-catching bags to enhance their golfing experience. [golfbusinessnews.com]

Here are reviews and coverage of XXIO's new golf clubs for 2024, including the XXIO 13 drivers, irons, fairway woods, and hybrids. The XXIO 13 driver features a carbon twist face and a redesigned support structure for improved ball speed and distance. The XXIO 13 irons have a hollow-cavity design with a tungsten-nickel sole weight for high launch and added ball speed. [golf.com]

Marie Birdie, a trendy teen clothing brand for girl golfers, is opening a flagship store in West Palm Beach. The store will feature colorful '60s-inspired apparel and fill a void for girls in pro shops. The opening comes as the number of women and girls playing golf has increased by 15% since 2019. The store is expected to open by April and is located near a public golf course. Other golf-related businesses, such as Golfusion, are also opening in the area, capitalizing on the growing interest in golf. [palmbeachpost.com]

G/FORE has released the Gallivan2r Golf Shoe, combining the popular Gallivanter and MG4+ designs for a sleek, lightweight, and waterproof shoe with superior traction. The men's shoe comes in eight variations, with additional colors and wide sizing available in April. The shoe retails at £150 and is known for its premium quality and fashionable design. [golfshake.com]

Under Armour has released the new Drive Pro and Drive Pro SL golf shoes, designed with input from professional golfers like Jordan Spieth. The shoes feature the innovative Swing Support System for stability and performance, as well as smarter traction with custom S3 Spikes. The dual-density midsole provides cushioning and support, and the Swing Support Strap ensures a secure fit. The Drive Pro SL offers spikeless traction with a hybrid outsole. The shoes are available on UA.com and at golf retailers in the UK. [golfbusinessnews.com]

Nike unveils the Nike Air Pegasus '89 Golf shoe inspired by the aesthetics of the Waste Management Open golf tournament. The shoe features waste-themed overlays and unique details such as collage-esque prints and abstract Nike branding. Release information has not been announced yet. [sneakernews.com]

When searching for a lost golf ball, there is a three-minute time limit. Accidentally damaging grass or branches while searching is allowed, as long as it is a reasonable action to find or identify the ball. If the search is "fair," there is no penalty. However, intentionally damaging the course or improving conditions for the next stroke can result in a penalty. It is legal to sift through sand or move loose impediments and movable obstructions during the search. If the ball accidentally moves, it should be put back without penalty. [golfdigest.com]

Improving your putting skills is crucial in golf, as almost half of the strokes in a round are putts. To start, choose a putter you like and try different grips. Mind your posture and body alignment, and work on achieving a smooth and controlled stroke. Practice putting drills regularly to improve your skills. [thesportsbank.net]

Improve your green reading in golf with a simple drill using two coins. By plotting intermediate targets, you can visualize how a putt breaks and increase your chances of starting the ball where you want to. Combine this with a good pace putting drill to avoid 3-putts and improve your putting game. [golfmonthly.com]

In this episode of Next on the Tee, host Chris Mascaro is joined by top golf instructors and body movement experts to discuss ways to generate more distance in your golf game. Topics covered include understanding smash factor and spin rate, weight distribution in the backswing, using golf as a rehab game, and stretches for warm-up. The episode also includes discussions on the PGA Merchandise Show and Super Bowl predictions. [triblive.com]

Jack Nicklaus holds the record for the most victories in The Players Championship, winning three times. Fred Couples and four other golfers have won the tournament twice. Scottie Scheffler was the winner in 2023. The upcoming 2024 Players Championship will take place from March 14 to 17 at the Players Stadium Course. [sportskeeda.com]

Continuing Black History Month, Jeffrey Wright tells the story of Langston Golf Club and how it was instrumental in the growth of the game of golf for African Americans. [nbcsports.com]

Donegal golf courses, including Donegal Golf Club, Narin & Portnoo Links, and Rosapenna Hotel & Golf Resort, showcased their excellence at the PGA Show in Orlando, Florida. The event attracted thousands of golf professionals and journalists, providing an opportunity to promote Ireland as a top golf destination. Tourism Ireland emphasized upcoming prestigious events like the Irish Open, The Open, and the Ryder Cup, aiming to leverage the tourism potential of these events in the US and other golf markets. [donegallive.ie]

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.