Planet Golf News - February 20, 2024

Look back at the best shots from the 2024 Genesis Invitational, including Will Zalatoris' ace and Hideki Matsuyama's final-round masterclass to claim his ninth Tour victory. [nbcsports.com]

Hideki Matsuyama's historic win at the Genesis Invitational, shooting a record-breaking 62 at Riviera, is praised by Tiger Woods as "truly special." Matsuyama's victory marks the lowest final-round score ever at Riviera and makes him the winningest Asian-born player in PGA Tour history. [sbnation.com]

Hideki Matsuyama makes history at Riviera by winning the Genesis Invitational with a final-round 62, becoming the winningest Asian-born player in PGA Tour history. Patrick Cantlay held the lead heading into the final round, but Matsuyama's nine birdies secured him the victory by three strokes. [golf.com]

The 2024 Mexico Open at Vidanta features a field that includes defending champion Tony Finau, Nicolai Hojgaard, and Emiliano Grillo. While it may not have the most star-studded lineup, there are still 500 FedEx Cup points and $8.1 million up for grabs, providing an opportunity for players to gain momentum and potentially secure spots in bigger events. [si.com]

Here's how to watch this week's events around the golf world. [nbcsports.com]

Cristobal Del Solar, known for shooting a record-breaking 57 in a recent tournament, has been given a sponsor's invite to the PGA Tour's Mexico Open at Vidanta. Despite his tied-fifth finish in the previous tournament, Del Solar's impressive performance earned him another opportunity to compete alongside top players like Tony Finau and Nicolai Hojgaard. [golfmonthly.com]

The 2024 Mexico Open at Vidanta has a total prize purse of $8m, with the winner taking home $1,458,000. Tony Finau is the defending champion, and other players to watch out for include Charley Hoffman and Akshay Bhatia. [golfmagic.com]

The PGA Tour returns to Vidanta Vallarta for the Mexico Open, with Tony Finau defending his title against top contenders like Cameron Champ and Patrick Rodgers. Despite Jon Rahm's absence, the field is strong with players like Nicolai Højgaard and Stephan Jaeger. Recent trends show longshots have been winning at a record rate. Key stats for the course highlight the advantage for big hitters, with driving distance a crucial factor. Betting options include winner, finishing position odds, round leader betting, golf matchup betting, and live betting. [forbes.com]

With less than 60 days until the first round of the 2024 Masters, official invitations have started to be sent out. Currently, 97 amateurs and pros, including past champions, have been invited, with just 80 expected to compete. The last amateur invitation was claimed by Santiago De la Fuente, winner of the Latin America Amateur Championship. There is still time to qualify, with the possibility of more World Ranking top-50 cut-offs for players who start the year strong. [golfdigest.com]

According to the latest 2024 Masters odds, Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy are the co-favorites. The tournament will take place from April 11 to April 14 at Augusta National Golf Club. A proprietary model has simulated the event 10,000 times and has made some surprising predictions, including Rory McIlroy barely cracking the top five and Xander Schauffele making a strong run as a longshot. The model has a track record of successfully predicting major winners, making it worth considering its picks for the 2024 Masters. [sportsline.com]

Augusta National has made a subtle tweak to the course ahead of the 2024 Masters, lengthening the second hole by 10 yards. This change aims to make the hole slightly more challenging for players, as it has historically been one of the easiest holes in the tournament. The alteration is part of a series of changes made to the course in recent years to enhance its difficulty and fairness. [golfmonthly.com]

Angel Cabrera, the two-time Major champion, is set to play in his first PGA Tour-sanctioned event since being released from prison. After serving a 30-month sentence for domestic assault, Cabrera is eligible to compete on all Tours and has targeted a return to competitive action. He recently secured a third-place finish in a tournament in Argentina and is preparing to compete in the Trophy Hassan II on the PGA Tour Champions circuit. Cabrera may also compete in the Visa Argentina Open, which offers a place at The Open Championship to the winner. [golfmonthly.com]

A study of the BRS Golf Participation Report for 2023 shows that golf participation rates in Scotland have continued to increase, with an 8% growth from 2022 to 2023. This growth surpasses that of Wales and the English Midlands, while the North of England saw no change and the South of England experienced a slight decline. The overall increase in the number of rounds processed by BRS Golf across the UK and Ireland in 2023 compared to 2019 was 90%. [bunkered.co.uk]

The Epson Tour Championship, the season-ending tournament for the LPGA's developmental tour, will be more important than ever. The event, which will be held in Indian Wells, California, in October, will now award LPGA playing cards to the top 15 players from the season-long points battle, instead of the previous top 10. This change aims to provide more opportunities for aspiring players and attract more attention to the event. The city of Indian Wells hopes that hosting the Epson Tour Championship will showcase its golf resort and potentially bring the LPGA back to the desert in the future. [golfweek.usatoday.com]

LIV Golf pro David Puig secured his place in The Open after winning the Malaysian Open on the Asian Tour. Puig shot two back-to-back 62s to finish 23-under-par, becoming the first Spaniard to win the tournament. His victory earned him $180,000 and boosted his OWGR ranking from 245 to 141. Puig, along with the runner-up and third-placed players, qualified for The Open at Royal Troon Golf Club in Scotland. [golfmagic.com]

The Strategic Sports Group (SSG) recently made a $3 billion investment in the PGA Tour. SSG is a group of wealthy sports owners, led by Fenway Sports Group (FSG), which owns the Boston Red Sox, Liverpool FC, and Pittsburgh Penguins. Other billionaire investors in SSG include Arthur Blank, Steve Cohen, Mark Attanasio, Wyc Grousbeck, and Mark Lasry. [golfmagic.com]

The sport of golf is experiencing a resurgence in Australia, with increasing participation and a growing number of younger players. The latest stats show over 2.7 million active golfers in the country, with significant growth in female participation and younger players. Australian players making waves on the world tours, such as Cameron Smith and Adam Scott, contribute to the sport's success. The future of golf in Australia looks promising. [nationalclubgolfer.com]

LIV Golf players are participating in the Asian Tour's International Series event in Oman to earn Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points. Securing a spot in the top 50 of the OWGR is crucial for qualifying for the 2024 Masters. LIV Golf players have been unable to earn OWGR points in the past, causing their rankings to drop. Only three LIV players in the Oman field are currently in the top 100. The upcoming events leading up to the Masters will be crucial for LIV players aiming to qualify for the majors. [golfweek.usatoday.com]

During his break from professional tennis, Rafael Nadal won the Campeonato Balear Mid-Amateur golf tournament in Mallorca. Nadal, who enjoys playing golf in his free time, won the tournament by seven strokes. He plans to return to tennis and compete in Indian Wells in March. [tennisworldusa.org]

A PGA Tour pro has asked Tiger Woods to fix the "terrible" hole at Riviera Country Club, which has been causing difficulties for golfers during the Genesis Invitational. The long par 3 has become increasingly difficult to hit, with only a small percentage of players hitting the green in regulation. One suggestion is to have two types of grass around the green to make the hole more fair. It remains to be seen if any changes will be made before next year's tournament. [golfdigest.com]

Caleb Surratt, a young golfer who recently joined LIV Golf, pushes back against critics who claim that the rebel tour lacks competition. Surratt emphasizes that playing with major champions like Phil Mickelson is not shying away from competition and has helped him improve his game. He also mentions other talented golfers on the LIV roster, including Jon Rahm, Dustin Johnson, and Brooks Koepka, highlighting the level of competition in the tour. [sportskeeda.com]

Born and bred in Germany, Olivia Cowan’s journey to golfing stardom began almost as soon as she could walk. With a golf coach for a father and a mother who worked in the club shop, Cowan was immersed in the sport from a young age. Cowan joined the LET in 2015, Since then, she has been a constant contender – amassing 34 top-ten finishes and one win. Living Golf host, Jazzy meets up with Olivia Cowan where she’s put to the ultimate test - caddying. [cnn.com]

Patrick Reed has been mocked by Eddie Pepperell for his drop in the world rankings after joining LIV Golf. Reed, a former Masters champion, is expected to fall outside the top 100 rankings this week due to not receiving ranking points for LIV Golf tournaments. Pepperell joked about Reed's new ranking and referenced Reed's failed defamation lawsuit against the golf media. The two golfers have had a history of beef, with Pepperell previously calling Reed a "f****** clown" and criticizing his decision to join LIV Golf. [mirror.co.uk]

Travis Kelce, the Kansas City Chiefs tight end, was seen spending time with a friend at an indoor golf course in Missouri. Kelce and his friend played virtual rounds of golf and were later seen leaving with takeaway boxes. Despite speculation about joining his girlfriend Taylor Swift in Australia, Kelce appears to be staying close to home. This outing follows backlash over his involvement in a party after a mass shooting at the Chiefs' victory parade. Kelce and Swift have both donated $100,000 to the shooting victims. [dailymail.co.uk]

Rory McIlroy acknowledges the role of the Middle East in the future of golf and expresses potential for reconciliation with the Saudi-backed breakaway tour, LIV Golf. Talks are underway to unite the Public Investment Fund (PIF), the PGA, and the DP World Tour. McIlroy envisions a future where the top 80 players in the world compete in a unified tour, similar to the Champions League in European football. [irishstar.com]

Patrick Cantlay's slow play resurfaced at the Genesis Invitational, but it didn't help him win the tournament. Cantlay and Xander Schauffele fell behind the group ahead of them, and the gap continued to grow throughout the round. This is not the first time Cantlay has been criticized for slow play, with previous incidents involving Matt Fitzpatrick and Brooks Koepka. It was later revealed that Cantlay was unwell with a fever during the final round. [mirror.co.uk]

Rory McIlroy's putting coach, Brad Faxon, supports keeping golf's scorecard rules as they are, despite Jordan Spieth's recent disqualification. Critics argue that players should be allowed to focus on their shots while an external party manages the score, while others believe that players should take accountability for their actions. Faxon believes that knowing the rules of golf should be a badge of honor and that players can't get away with anything due to constant TV coverage. [golfmonthly.com]

PGA Tour 2023 Rookie of the Year Eric Cole showcased an improved performance at the Genesis Invitational, earning nearly half a million dollars and achieving a 10th place finish. With a breakout year in 2023, Cole has risen to a career-high No. 37 in the world rankings and continues to pursue his first PGA Tour victory. [bvmsports.com]

Former Open champion Paul Lawrie believes that golf club memberships are not expensive if you play regularly. He emphasizes that the value of memberships lies in how often you play, and highlights that memberships can become "unbelievably expensive" for those who rarely use them. Lawrie's own golf centre charges £330 per year for access to various amenities, and he believes that golf memberships are reasonably priced for active golfers who play once or twice a week. However, he acknowledges that fees have significantly increased in recent years and sparked a debate among club golfers about what is considered too much to pay for a membership. [nationalclubgolfer.com]

Hideki Matsuyama achieved his best world ranking in nearly a year after winning the Genesis Invitational, jumping from No. 55 to No. 20. Will Zalatoris also made a significant jump back into the top 50, going from No. 54 to No. 32 and securing a spot in the Arnold Palmer Invitational. [nbcsports.com]

The PGA Tour's West Coast swing concluded with Tiger Woods' abrupt exit being a headline. The overall performance of the Tour during this stretch was underwhelming due to bad weather, unexpected winners, and the LIV Golf events. Sam Burns emerged as a winner with consistent top 10 finishes, while Patrick Cantlay struggled to close out tournaments. Nick Dunlap's win as an amateur at the AmEx was a standout moment, and Rory McIlroy had lackluster performances. The West Coast swing lacked star power and saw surprising winners. Will Zalatoris and Hideki Matsuyama had a Masters-like battle at Riviera, with Matsuyama ultimately emerging as the winner. [cbssports.com]

The past seven weeks of the PGA Tour have lacked excitement and have raised concerns about the future. While there have been some notable moments and individual performances, the overall lack of star power, weather disruptions, and other oddities have left fans wondering if this is a temporary slump or a new reality for the tour. [golfdigest.com]

Fans mock Greg Norman's criticism of the Official World Golf Rankings (OWGR) in a recent Instagram post. Norman pointed out the lack of LIV Golf players in the top 50 OWGR, calling it "laughable." The post received backlash from the golf community, with comments criticizing the format of LIV Golf and expressing disappointment in the league. There is ongoing debate about whether defectors should be awarded points in the world rankings. [essentiallysports.com]

Tiger Woods experienced flu-like symptoms during the Genesis Invitational, causing uncertainty about his health and schedule. Recovery from influenza typically takes about two weeks, which may impact his participation in future events, including the Players Championship in March. [essentiallysports.com]

Despite being one of the top golfers globally, Xander Schauffele's performance in high-pressure situations is questioned. His consistent top-10 finishes and numerous second-place results, including at the Genesis Invitational, suggest a potential struggle to secure wins. [sbnation.com]

One of the two lawsuits against Tony Finau has been dismissed by the Utah Court of Appeals, while the other is set for a jury trial in October 2024. The dismissed lawsuit involved a breach of contract claim related to the Finau Corporation, while the ongoing lawsuit alleges non-repayment of loans and other services provided to Finau and his family. The dismissed lawsuit was filed outside the statute of limitations, and the specific amount sought in the ongoing lawsuit has not been disclosed. [golfweek.usatoday.com]

The 17th edition of the Honda LPGA Thailand will take place at Siam Country Club's Old Course, featuring a 72-player field that includes defending champion Lilia Vu and top-ranked players like Celine Boutier and Jin Young Ko. The tournament will also see the debut of several players and feature Thai players such as Ariya Jutanugarn and Patty Tavatanakit. The event offers a $1.7 million purse. [lpga.com]

Kary Hollenbaugh and the Ohio State women's golf team emerged victorious at the Spartan Sun Coast Invitational, with Hollenbaugh earning her first collegiate victory. Hollenbaugh shot an impressive eight-under 136 over the two-round tournament, leading the field in birdies and tying the third-lowest round in program history. The Buckeyes secured a two-stroke victory over the College of Charleston, finishing with a team score of 576 (E). Caley McGinty also had a strong performance, finishing tied for fourth place. [ohiostatebuckeyes.com]

The 24th Annual Prestige Golf Tournament tee’d off on Sunday at the Norman Course at PGA West in La Quinta. [nbcpalmsprings.com]

The LIV Golf Jeddah tournament has a total purse of $25 million, with $4 million awarded to the winner. The top three teams will split $5 million, with first place receiving $3 million. The payout information for individual players is listed in descending order, with the winner receiving $4 million and subsequent players receiving decreasing amounts. The tournament is part of the 2024 LIV Golf campaign, which has seen Joaquin Niemann and Dustin Johnson claim victories in previous events. [golfmagic.com]

The 2024 Magical Kenya Open has started with the first-ever Golf for the Disabled tournament in Africa. The tournament, held at the Muthaiga Golf Club, features 10 golfers with disabilities from around the world. The event marks the growth of golf for players with disabilities globally and showcases Kenya's evolution in hosting international tournaments. [pulsesports.co.ke]

The Magical Kenya Open prize money payout for 2024 has been announced. The total prize fund is $2.5 million, with the winner receiving $425,000 and the runner-up earning $275,000. The payout extends to the top 70 positions, with decreasing amounts for lower rankings. The tournament also offers an additional $200,000 payout for finishing top of the International Swing section. [golfmonthly.com]

The next event on the Arizona pro golf calendar is the LPGA's Ford Championship presented by KCC, which will be held at Seville Golf and Country Club in Gilbert from March 28-31. The tournament will feature a field of 144 players competing for a $2 million purse. Additionally, the PGA Tour Champions tour will return to Tucson on March 8-10, with the Cologuard Classic being played at La Paloma Country Club for the first time. The Epson Tour will also have back-to-back events in Arizona in May. In other news, former Arizona State golfer David Puig earned a spot in the 152nd Open Championship at Royal Troon, and the U.S. Open and U.S. Women's Open qualifying sites in Arizona were announced. [azcentral.com]

Ryan Fox, New Zealand's premier golfer, has announced his withdrawal from the New Zealand Open in order to focus on the PGA Tour. Fox, who had a breakthrough season in 2023, wants to give himself the best chance of success on the PGA Tour and will be staying in the US for the foreseeable future. The NZ Open will take place from February 29 to March 3. [newshub.co.nz]

The recent Tunnel to Towers Foundation golf tournament at Mission Hills Country Club raised funds and awareness for fallen American heroes. The non-profit organization, which started to honor a firefighter who lost his life on 9/11, provides financial support to the families of first responders and military veterans. The tournament brought together golf enthusiasts from across the country to support these families and their legacies. [nbcpalmsprings.com]

A 7-year-old golf prodigy from the UK, George Hughes, plans to raise $125,000 for charity in honor of his late father. George aims to play a round of golf in 5 different countries in under 24 hours. So far, he has raised over $96,000 for the Freeman Heart & Lung Transplant Association. George's fundraising challenge could also break the world record. In addition to his charity event, George is training to be a future champion and is being coached by Tommy Fleetwood's former coach, Norman Marshall. [nypost.com]

Tiger Woods recently withdrew from The Genesis Invitational due to illness, adding to his history of injuries and surgeries. Despite the physical toll on his body, there is still hope among golf fans to see Tiger perform well, especially at the Masters. While his past glory may be difficult to reclaim, the anticipation remains whenever Tiger shows up for an event. [dknetwork.draftkings.com]

For any golfer, making a hole-in-one is a milestone achievement that will resonate for a lifetime. It's that fleeting touch with perfection - in a game that by its nature is about the imperfect - and a moment that is on everyone's bucket list. But how likely are you to make one? This remarkable tale got us thinking. [golfshake.com]

Golf ball dimples play a crucial role in optimizing the aerodynamics of the ball's flight by reducing drag. The dimple pattern affects the ball's launch, spin, and distance. Most popular golf ball models have between 300 and 400 dimples, with the Titleist Pro V1 featuring 388 dimples in a tetrahedral design. Fine-tuning your golf ball choice through fitting can help achieve the desired launch, spin, distance, and feel. [bunkered.co.uk]

Amanda Renner is a CBS golf reporter known for her post-round interviews. She is married to ex-NFL quarterback Bryn Renner and played volleyball in college. Renner also has experience playing golf and started her career as an in-house reporter with the PGA Tour. Additionally, she runs a non-profit organization called "Puppies and Golf" that matches military veterans with dogs. [sportskeeda.com]

The Green Fee at Vidanta Vallarta's Norman Signature Course ranges from $195 to $270 per person per tee time, with lower fees after 2.30pm. The fee includes a cart and one driving range token per round, but clubs can be rented for an additional $70. The resort offers various accommodation options with prices ranging from $430 to $16,650 per night. [golfmonthly.com]

Joaquin Niemann may miss the Masters Tournament due to his affiliation with LIV Golf, which has struggled to earn OWGR points. Even if he manages to qualify by being in the top 50 on the OWGR, he may regress out of the top 50 before the Masters due to playing in other LIV Golf events. Despite this setback, Niemann still hopes to compete in other major championships. [essentiallysports.com]

Hideki Matsuyama won The Genesis Invitational, and now the PGA Tour moves to the Mexico Open at Vidanta. Defending champion Tony Finau is the favorite, followed by Nicolai Hojgaard, Emiliano Grillo, Stephan Jaeger, and Thorbjorn Olesen. Fantasy expert Eric Cohen provides his rankings and picks, backing Maverick McNealy and fading Thorbjorn Olesen. He also recommends an underdog with odds of 175-1. Join SportsLine for Cohen's full rankings and picks. [sportsline.com]

In 2024, golf putters have seen a trend toward increased stability and forgiveness. Classic blade designs continue to be popular, but mallets, often constructed with multiple materials to optimize weight distribution, are increasingly common. The availability of putters has expanded to accommodate different stroke types and preferences. Key brands in 2024 include Bettinardi, Cleveland, Odyssey, Ping, PXG, and Scotty Cameron, all offering a range of options from budget-friendly models to premium milled putters. [golfweek.usatoday.com]

Hybrid golf clubs offer the distance and forgiveness of long irons combined with the ease of hitting a fairway wood. This guide explores the best hybrid clubs for 2024, including the TaylorMade Qi10, Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke, and Cobra Darkspeed. These clubs provide forgiveness, distance, and consistency, helping golfers improve their game and achieve more confident strikes. Choose a hybrid that suits your swing and game style to enhance your performance on the fairway. [nationalclubgolfer.com]

The 2024 PGA Tour season has seen victories with drivers from Srixon, Titleist, Callaway, Mizuno, Ping, and TaylorMade. Hideki Matsuyama won the Genesis Invitational using a Srixon ZX5 LS Mk II, Nick Taylor won the WM Phoenix Open with a Titleist TSi3, Wyndham Clark won the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am with a Titleist TSR3, Matthieu Pavon won the Farmers Insurance Open with a Ping G430 Max, Nick Dunlap won The American Express with a TaylorMade Qi10 LS, Grayson Murray won the Sony Open in Hawaii with a Mizuno ST-X 230, and Chris Kirk won The Sentry with a Callaway Paradym Triple Diamond. [golfdigest.com]

FootJoy introduces the TempoSeries apparel range for SS24, featuring technical outerwear for men and women designed for all-year-round wear. The collection includes lightweight, temperature-regulating fabrics that are breathable, moisture-wicking, and water-resistant. The men's collection offers new color stories and prints inspired by seaside golf, while the women's collection features striking floral prints. The range also includes essential pieces such as shirts, jackets, trousers, and shorts. Overall, the TempoSeries provides golfers with versatile, comfortable, and fashionable garments for all-day protection. [golfbusinessnews.com]

The PXG 0317 X driving iron offers a thin face, longer blade length, and proprietary interior material for increased ball speed and feel. The club has a premium finish and a visually appealing design. It produces a penetrating flight with low spin and impressive ball speed. The club offers forgiveness and dynamic feel even on off-center strikes. It is a potent option for high-speed players and performs well on firm links fairways. The PXG 0317 X driving iron is priced at £189 and can be adjusted for loft preferences. [golfmonthly.com]

Hideki Matsuyama wins The Genesis Invitational with a scorching final round 62, becoming the first player from Japan to win at Riviera. Matsuyama showcased his pristine iron play with Srixon Z-Forged II Irons and credited his chipping with Cleveland Golf RTX Wedges. This is his ninth PGA Tour victory. [firstcallgolf.com]

Cape Breton Highlands Links in Nova Scotia, designed by Stanley Thompson, is considered one of Canada's top golf courses. Its design takes full advantage of the surrounding landscape, with a routing that moves towards and along the water, through woods, and into a river valley. Despite falling off the Top 100 Courses in the World list in 2013, the course is praised for its design and potential, with calls for tree removal to improve conditions and views. [golf.com]

Lee Trevino shares the secret to hitting solid irons: hitting down on the ball to produce ball-first contact and generate backspin. Trying to lift the ball up is counterproductive. By compressing the ball into the ground, it will work up the grooves and gain loft. This advice can help golfers become better ball strikers. [golf.com]

Playing golf through winter has its challenges, but it's essential for several reasons. Firstly, it allows you to track your progress and identify areas for improvement. Secondly, it helps you maintain your swing and prevent it from getting rusty. Lastly, it provides an opportunity to work on swing changes without sacrificing playing time. Despite the colder conditions, continuing to play golf in winter can lead to overall improvement in your game. [golfmonthly.com]

Being a less miserable golfer involves redefining happiness on the golf course. It's not about fleeting sensations of pleasure, but deeper experiences of enjoyment, such as seeing practice pay off or spending time with friends. Recognizing the pursuit of a goal as worthwhile in itself can make golf enjoyable, even when it isn't always fun. Equipment matters, but skill is still key. The golf community debates the impact of a golf ball rollback and the pace of play. [australiangolfdigest.com.au]

Hideki Matsuyama gained over 6 strokes from tee to green in his mind-blowing final round at the Genesis Invitational. To improve ball-striking, focus on tempo and try a drill that involves varying swing speeds and noting the ball flight for each speed to determine the straightest flight. [golfmonthly.com]

Charlie Sifford, the first full-time Black member of the PGA Tour, faced racism, harassment, and threats throughout his career. Despite these challenges, he managed to win two tour events and the Senior PGA Championship. Sifford's experiences off the course were just as difficult, with encounters of hostility and discrimination. His lasting anger and bitterness were a result of the injustices he endured. Learn more about his extraordinary life and legacy in this Local Knowledge podcast. [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.