Planet Golf News - February 22, 2024

The 2024 Mexico Open at Vidanta is set to begin with a field featuring talented golfers such as Tony Finau, Nicolai Højgaard, and Emiliano Grillo. Finau is the betting favorite, followed by Højgaard and Grillo. The total purse is $8.1 million, with the winner's share at $1.386 million. Will Zalatoris has withdrawn from the field. SportsLine DFS pro and PGA expert Mike McClure provides expert golf betting advice and optimal One and Done picks, including Finau as a top choice. [sportsline.com]

The 2024 Mexico Open at Vidanta begins with the first round on Thursday, February 22. Tony Finau, the defending champion, will tee off at 9:03 a.m. ET with Mackenzie Hughes and Nicolai Højgaard. Full tee times for the opening round can be found in the article. [golf.com]

This article discusses the top plays for the 2024 Mexico Open at Vidanta. Tony Finau is highlighted as a high-priced player with a strong chance of making the cut and a low volatility score. He has performed well at Vidanta Vallarta in the past. The article also mentions the availability of DFS optimizer tools for subscribers. [establishtherun.com]

The 2024 Mexico Open at Vidanta is set to take place, featuring a diverse field and the potential for an unexpected winner. Defending champion Tony Finau faces challenges with his putting, while European Ryder Cup member Nicolai Hojgaard and other notable players are also competing. The tournament will be broadcasted on Golf Channel, Peacock, and PGA Tour Radio throughout the week. [cbssports.com]

The article discusses the upcoming PGA Mexico Open and provides expert predictions and golf picks for the tournament. The field is headlined by Tony Finau, and other notable players include Emiliano Grillo and Stephan Jaeger. The article also highlights the Mexico Open odds and provides information on how to bet on the tournament. The event will be held at the Vidanta Vallarta course in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. [si.com]

The Masters has extended special invitations to Joaquin Niemann, Thorbjørn Olesen, and Ryo Hisatsune to play in the 88th edition of the tournament. Niemann, a LIV Golf star, has recently showcased his talent with impressive performances and wins. This move by Augusta National Golf Club sets a precedent for inviting leading international players. A total of 83 players have received invitations, with the criteria remaining the same as previous years. [sbnation.com]

The document provides a field list for the 2024 Masters golf tournament, including players who have qualified through various categories such as past champions, major winners, and world rankings. The list is still subject to updates, and the tournament is scheduled to take place in under two months at Augusta National Golf Club. [golfweek.com]

With the 2024 Masters 50 days away, this article breaks down how the top 10 golfers are performing as the Florida swing approaches. The article discusses their recent play and introduces the use of Data Golf rankings to determine the best players. It highlights the overlap between the Data Golf rankings and the Official World Golf Rankings. [cbssports.com]

The 2024 Masters Tournament is approaching, and bettors are already placing their wagers. Jon Rahm is favored to repeat as the champion, followed by Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy. Tiger Woods is considered a longshot. A golf model that has accurately predicted 10 majors offers surprising predictions for the tournament, including Rory McIlroy falling short of completing the career grand slam and Patrick Cantlay making a strong run. For more detailed predictions and the projected leaderboard, refer to the provided links. [cbssports.com]

Tickets for the 2024 Masters Golf Tournament in Augusta, Georgia are still available, ranging from practice rounds to the final day. Various ticket vendors like Stubhub, Vivid Seats, SeatGeek, and Ticketmaster offer tickets starting at around $1,100 for practice rounds and $2,000 for tournament passes. The tournament runs from April 8 to April 14, and tickets can be purchased for specific days or as multi-day passes. Prices may vary, so it is recommended to check the ticket vendors for the most up-to-date prices. [mlive.com]

Yasir Al-Rumayyan, the governor of the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) and a key figure in negotiations with the PGA Tour, is participating in a pro-am event in Morocco. Al-Rumayyan, who is also involved with LIV Golf, has previously played in high-profile events and has a handicap of 12. Talks between PIF and the PGA Tour regarding a framework agreement are still ongoing. [golfmonthly.com]

Brooks Koepka joins The Scoop to discuss his major victories, nerves, and more. He talks about how he got into the game, what he learns from losing, and shares his most nervous moment on the golf course. Check out the video for more insights from Koepka. [golf.com]

Muni "Lily" He, a rising star in golf, has gained fame not only on the golf course but also in the digital world. With a large social media following and millions of views on TikTok, she has become a digital influencer. This article explores her journey and showcases her dedication to maintaining peak physical performance while on tour. [cnn.com]

Louis Oosthuizen has accepted that he may not play major championship golf anymore, including the Masters, due to his decision to join the LIV Golf League. He acknowledges that Augusta National is now too long for his game. Oosthuizen also expresses discontent with the lack of recognition by the Official World Golf Ranking for LIV Golf players, suggesting that the system needs to change. [golfmagic.com]

Professional golfer Max Homa entertained fans on social media by roasting their golf swings on President's Day. Homa, known for his quick and witty responses, used to critique swings on Twitter and continued the tradition by humorously commenting on videos shared by fans. His interactions brought light-hearted fun to the golf community. [sbnation.com]

Jessica Korda advises junior golfers to prioritize playing on the course over spending excessive time on the driving range. She encourages them to be creative, try new shots, and make it competitive with friends. Spending time on the course helps golfers learn how to score and react to different situations. It is important to understand one's strengths and utilize them effectively on the golf course. This advice applies to all golfers, not just juniors. [golfdigest.com]

Gary Woodland's return to the PGA Tour after undergoing surgery to remove a brain tumor has been made even better by reuniting with his fellow players. Woodland, who experienced fear, anxiety, and extreme symptoms before the surgery, expressed gratitude for the camaraderie and support he has received from his peers. Despite missing the cut in recent tournaments, Woodland's journey back to the tour has been hailed as an incredible story of resilience and overcoming adversity. [scoregolf.com]

Cancer survivor Michael Hendry is confident in his ability to win a second New Zealand Open title. After being diagnosed with cancer, he won the Clearwater Open and is now cancer-free. Hendry believes golf played a significant role in his recovery and is enjoying the game for what it is. He is focused on achieving success on the golf course and is grateful for the opportunity to play in the upcoming tournament. [rnz.com.nz]

Before potentially traveling Down Under for Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, Travis Kelce returned to Sin City. The Kansas City Chiefs tight end, 34, played a round of golf at Las Vegas’ Wynn Golf Club on Tuesday, February 20. “Lake Travis, Location: 17th hole,” Jasmin Medar, Wynn Las Vegas’ director of VIP relations and creative marketing, [yahoo.com]

Reaves says he asks Curry about his golf game "every time" the Lakers play the Warriors. [clutchpoints.com]

Sergio Garcia's hopes of returning to the Ryder Cup might be dashed due to his inability to meet the membership requirements of the DP World Tour. Despite paying fines and expressing his intention to rejoin the tour, Garcia missed the deadline to apply for membership in 2024. While he may still be considered for a captain's pick, this would require DP World Tour membership, which he currently lacks. The situation raises questions about the eligibility of other LIV Golf players, such as Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton, and whether the rules should be changed to accommodate them. [golfdigest.com]

Nike has been experiencing a mass exodus of top athletes, including football players like Harry Kane, Casemiro, and Jack Grealish, as well as Tiger Woods and Roger Federer. This is due to Nike's financial difficulties, with the company needing to save £1.6 billion over the next three years. The brand's announcement has led to a ripple effect in the sports world, with athletes seeking more flexibility and brands focusing on reliable sources of income. Competitors like Adidas, Puma, and New Balance have taken advantage of the situation and signed deals with these athletes. [givemesports.com]

The Genesis Invitational showcased pro golfer styles, including Hideki Matsuyama in a bright golden-yellow and navy Srixon outfit, Tiger Woods in his sleek all-black Sun Day Red brand, Rory McIlroy wearing all Nike gear, Jason Day in a fashionable Malbon outfit, and Patrick Cantlay in a $500 cashmere sweater from B.Draddy. [golf.com]

Paige Spiranac impresses fans with her golf skills and flawless 'Sunday Red' outfit during the Genesis Invitational. She hits a powerful 285-yard drive and hints at getting involved in NASCAR. Spiranac collaborates with golfer Bryson DeChambeau and seeks input from her followers on whom to root for in NASCAR. [firstsportz.com]

Professional golfer Paige Spiranac has expressed interest in switching to NASCAR racing, as indicated by her tweet from the Daytona 500. Spiranac, known for her modeling and social media influence, is considering taking her passion for modeling to the world of stock car racing. Meanwhile, William Byron emerged as the winner of the 2024 Daytona 500 after a chaotic race that involved a massive 22-car crash. [marca.com]

According to golf expert Ben Coley, Shubhankar Sharma has a chance to win the Magical Kenya Open, with Guido Migliozzi, Masahiro Kawamura, and Nacho Elvira also being strong contenders. The course at Muthaiga is tight and requires accuracy off the tee and good short-game skills. The article provides betting tips and analysis for the tournament. [sportinglife.com]

The BMW Championship is generating high buzz six months before the tournament takes place at Castle Pines Golf Club in Colorado. The tournament director, Vince Pellegrino, has been amazed by the response, with record ticket sales and overwhelming volunteerism. Castle Pines is a fitting venue for the championship, and the event will benefit the Evans Scholars Foundation. In other golf news, the CU men's team won the Wyoming Desert Match Play, and various tournaments are taking place on the PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, European Tour, and PGA Tour Champions. [denvergazette.com]

The 2024 Honda LPGA Thailand is set to take place at Siam Country Club's Old Course in Chonburi, Thailand. The tournament features a strong field of players, including top-ranked Lilia Vu, major champion Brooke Henderson, and 15-time LPGA Tour winner Jin Young Ko. The event offers 500 points in the season-long Race to the CME Globe and a $1.7 million purse, with $255,000 going to the champion. The article highlights some of the featured groups for the tournament, including Charley Hull, Leona Maguire, and Moriya Jutanugarn, as well as Patty Tavatanakit, Ruoning Yin, and Celine Boutier. The final featured group consists of Ariya Jutanugarn, Jin Young Ko, and Lilia Vu. [lpga.com]

Patty Tavatanakit, a 24-year-old golfer from Thailand, will be playing at the Singapore Women's Open after her recent victory at the Aramco Saudi Ladies International. She expressed her love for golf and her determination to continue her success. The tournament will also feature other notable players such as Park Ji-young and Lee Ye-won. The Singapore Women's Open is a jointly sanctioned event by the Singapore Golf Association and KLPGA and will be held at the Tanah Merah Country Club. [straitstimes.com]

Simeon Pompey and Rosie Allen have been named the recipients of the 2023 Lorie Kane Community Spirit Awards by Golf Canada. Pompey received the Community Leader Award for his dedication to using golf to positively impact his community, while Allen received the Future Leader Award for her leadership in developing the First Tee - Canada program and her work with junior golfers with autism spectrum disorder. Pompey will receive a $5,000 donation for a golf-related initiative, and Allen will receive a $5,000 donation for her post-secondary education. [golfcanada.com]

The Stanford men's and women's golf teams have access to the impressive Siebel Varsity Golf Training Complex. This complex, which opened in 2008, features bent grass hitting areas, custom green complexes, and a 20,000-square foot putting green. The practice greens are designed to mimic famous golf course architects, and the facility offers a variety of conditions for players to prepare for tournaments. Overall, the Stanford Cardinal have top-notch golf facilities that contribute to their dominance in college golf. [golfweek.com]

This article explores some of the longest holes in world golf. The list includes Hole 3 at Gunsan Country Club in South Korea measuring 1,097 yards, Hole 7 at Satsuki Golf Club in Japan measuring 964 yards, Hole 12 at Meadow Farms Golf Course in the USA measuring 841 yards, the 18th hole at Theodora Golf Club in Romania measuring 803 yards, and the 15th hole at Penati Golf Resort in Slovakia measuring 783 yards. The article also mentions the longest holes on the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour. [golfmonthly.com]

The 2024 US Open at Pinehurst Resort & Country Club's Course No. 2 will have a qualifying process consisting of local qualifying and final qualifying stages. Local qualifying will take place at 109 sites across 44 states in the US and Canada from April 22nd to May 20th. Players with a Handicap Index not exceeding 0.4 or professionals are eligible. Final qualifying will be played across 36 holes in the US, England, Japan, and Canada. The full list of local qualifying sites and final qualifying sites is available in the article. [en.as.com]

This document provides global golf betting predictions for seven tournaments, including the Mexico Open, Honda LPGA Thailand, Magical Kenya Open, Trophy Hassan II, International Series Oman, Lalla Meryem Cup, and NMB Championship. The document includes best bets and outright bets for each tournament, highlighting players to watch and their odds. [actionnetwork.com]

The 2024 Mexico Open fantasy golf rankings suggest backing Maverick McNealy and fading Thorbjorn Olesen. Tony Finau is the defending champion and the top player in the tournament, while Brandon Wu has had success at the course. Eric Cohen, a golf handicapper, provides expert picks for the event. [cbssports.com]

Geoff Ogilvy reflects on playing against Tiger Woods and describes his awe at witnessing Woods' exceptional talent and power on the golf course. Ogilvy shares his experiences of watching Woods as a young player and later playing alongside him in professional tournaments. [golf.com]

This document is a buyer's guide for the best hybrid golf clubs in 2024. It provides an overview of the benefits of using hybrids and highlights the top hybrids available from various brands. The TaylorMade Qi10 is praised for its versatility and forgiveness, while the PXG Black Ops stands out for its distance. The Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke offers excellent forgiveness and the Cobra Darkspeed is known for its sleek design. The PING G430 is highlighted for its forgiveness and ease of use. The document also includes factors to consider when buying a hybrid, such as club head size, loft, adjustability, shaft, and shot type. [golfmagic.com]

This article highlights the new wedges for 2024 from nine top golf club manufacturers and brands. The two important trends in new wedges are discussed, including the various grinds available and the use of full-face grooves. The article also provides specific details about the Titleist Vokey SM10 wedges, Callaway JAWS Raw Face Chrome wedges, Mizuno T24 wedges, PING S159 wedges, Cleveland Smart Sole, CBX4 and RTX wedges, and Tour Edge Exotics Wingman wedges. Other companies' current wedge lines, such as TaylorMade MG4 wedges, Cobra Snakebite wedges, and Wilson Staff Model wedges, are also mentioned. [golfpass.com]

Tiger Woods has launched his own apparel brand called Sun Day Red, featuring a collection of clothing and accessories. The brand was unveiled in Los Angeles and will be available for purchase on SunDayRed.com starting May 1. The launch party showcased a range of offerings for both men and women, including hoodies, gloves, ball markers, and headcovers. The brand also includes a line of golf shoes with eye-catching red soles. Woods aims to deliver performance and comfort with his premium lifestyle brand. [golf.com]

ECCO GOLF has unveiled their groundbreaking LT1 Golf Shoe, featuring the innovative ECCO LYTR technology for unparalleled comfort and cushioning. The shoe also incorporates advanced technologies such as E-DTS NET design for exceptional traction and a sporty, contemporary look. Available in lace and BOA styles for both men and women, the LT1 is a game-changer in golf footwear. [golfmagic.com]

Tyler, The Creator collaborates with Louis Vuitton for a capsule collection, featuring a reimagined monogram motif called the Craggy Monogram. The collection includes various items such as jackets, bags, slacks, and hats, reflecting Tyler's love for pastries and dogs. The collection will be globally released on March 21, 2024. [vibe.com]

Malbon Golf has released its SS24 "Preserve Collection," featuring men's and women's clothing crafted with attention to detail and high-quality fabrics. The collection offers an understated aesthetic with light greens, browns, and grays. Notable pieces include the Stormfleece Sweatshirt for men and the Long Sleeve Rib Sweater for women. Prices range from $80 to $590 USD. [hypebeast.com]

Descente Golf has launched its new 'Pro Classic' golf shoes, featuring a classic design with a focus on performance. The lace-up shoe combines timeless sophistication with optimized spike structure for enhanced stability and grip during the swing process. [pulsenews.cp/kr]

The Shot Scope Pro ZR laser rangefinder is a well-built and feature-packed device. It comes with a premium feel, a sturdy case, and a user-friendly manual. The rangefinder offers a reported range of 1500 yards, clear images, and rapid-fire detection. It also includes a dual optics option, a slope feature, and a strong magnet for cart attachment. Overall, it is highly recommended and competitively priced at $299.99/£299.99. [golfmonthly.com]

The Rules of Golf address player conduct, stating that players should show consideration to others and not distract other players. However, there is no specific penalty for violating this rule. Individual courses/committees can enact their own rules of conduct and impose penalties such as a one-stroke penalty or disqualification for unsportsmanlike behavior. It is important for players to behave appropriately on the golf course. [golfdigest.com]

Martin Kaymer's caddie Craig 'Wee Man' Connelly and English Premier League soccer star John McGinn are supporting a petition to save Dalmuir Municipal Golf Course in Scotland from potential closure. The course, the only public golf course in the Clydebank area, is facing the possibility of reducing its size or shutting down completely due to financial challenges faced by West Dunbartonshire Council. The petition has gained nearly 3,000 signatures towards its goal of 5,000. [golfmonthly.com]

Larry David's conduct on the golf course in the TV show "Curb Your Enthusiasm" provides some teachable moments about golf etiquette and technique. While eavesdropping on a lesson is considered bad form and can make the student uneasy, the tip mentioned in the show, "vertical drop, horizontal tug," can help correct a slice-inducing over-the-top move in the downswing. Emulating this action could lead to improved results on the golf course. [golf.com]

Top coach explains the '20-20-20' range rule for golfers looking to make swing changes. The article emphasizes the importance of making small, gradual changes to the golf swing over time, rather than attempting to change everything at once. It also provides five tips for making effective swing changes and introduces Tony Ruggiero's 20-20-20 practice plan for transferring swing changes to the golf course. [golfdigest.com]

From birthdays to holidays, these are the occasions where you'd be justified in heading to the golf course instead of the office. [golfpass.com]

Pomona Golf Course and Country Club, a 9-hole executive golf course in Egg Harbor City, New Jersey, founded by Black entrepreneur Sara Spencer Washington, is on sale for $2.5 million. The sale includes a clubhouse, range, and additional lots surrounding the golf course. The property has been updated with a bar/restaurant, new patio area, and new menu. The club is centrally located and close to Stockton Campus, Atlantic City Airport, and the Garden State Parkway. [golfweek.com]

This Arizona house for sale is packed with luxurious features including an indoor golf simulator, go-kart track, regulation basketball floor, and a 6,000-square-foot "man cave" with various amenities. The property, formerly owned by former Arizona Diamondback outfielder Andre Ethier, is listed for $20 million and offers a pool area reminiscent of a luxury resort. [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.