Planet Golf News - February 7, 2024

According to a media guide, professional golfer Phil Mickelson has achieved a staggering 47 holes-in-one throughout his career. This number includes aces from various levels of performance, including practice rounds. Mickelson's achievement surpasses even Tiger Woods, who has 20 holes-in-one. Despite his recent struggles, Mickelson's ability to produce extraordinary moments on the course remains, and an ace could be the catalyst for a resurgence in his LIV Golf career. [golfmonthly.com]

Luke Donald states that the Ryder Cup team is not judging Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton for joining LIV Golf, despite potential implications for their future participation in the event. Donald emphasizes that each individual wants to do what is best for themselves and that no one is passing judgment on their decisions. The eligibility of Rahm and Hatton for the Ryder Cup is uncertain, but currently, they meet the criteria as members of the European Tour. Donald acknowledges that there may be consequences to their choices and that the situation could evolve in the coming months. [skysports.com]

Reigning Masters champion Jon Rahm expressed sadness that Joaquin Niemann, a player of high caliber, may not be able to play in all of the majors this year due to his affiliation with LIV Golf. Niemann's limited opportunities to play in OWGR-sanctioned events and his lower world ranking make it challenging for him to qualify for the other three majors. Rahm believes that LIV players deserve a chance to compete in majors and hopes for a change in the future to allow them to qualify or adjust the world ranking system. Rahm also emphasized the importance of having the best players in the world assembled for the majors. [nbcsports.com]

Jon Rahm explains that his decision to join LIV Golf was influenced by two factors: the changing dynamics in the golf world and the significant amount of money offered. While Rahm initially played golf for the love of the game and not for monetary reasons, the opportunity to secure his family's future and the realization of the financial impact led to a change in his feelings. Rahm also mentions that his Masters win and the PGA Tour and LIV agreement played a role in his decision. [golf.com]

Jon Rahm hopes to find a way to play in PGA Tour events in the future, despite currently competing in the LIV Golf League. He expressed his desire to return to events like Torrey Pines and Palm Springs, emphasizing their significance to him. Rahm also mentioned the emotional aspect of missing out on playing in Phoenix, near his home. While he doesn't regret his decision to join LIV Golf, he remains open to opportunities to compete in PGA Tour events again. [espn.com]

According to bankruptcy filings, Rudy Giuliani, former lawyer of Donald Trump, owes nearly $40,000 in unpaid golf club membership fees. He also filed for bankruptcy in December after being ordered to pay over $148 million in defamation damages. Despite raising funds to pay off legal fees, Giuliani still owes over $387,000 in unpaid fees and faces multiple lawsuits. [the-independent.com]

The denial of Official World Golf Rankings (OWGR) points to LIV Golfers has had a significant impact on their rankings. Players like Bryson DeChambeau, Sergio Garcia, Talor Gooch, Martin Kaymer, Lee Westwood, and Dustin Johnson have all seen their rankings drop since joining LIV Golf. Without the ability to earn ranking points, their chances of participating in major tournaments are limited to exemptions or qualifying tournaments. [thesportsrush.com]

Joaquin Niemann's victory at the LIV Golf Mayakoba has sparked controversy over the lack of recognition of LIV Golf by the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) and four major golf tournaments. Despite Niemann's impressive performance, only the PGA Tour winner, Wyndham Clark, received points in the OWGR rankings. The article argues that the OWGR and major tournaments should acknowledge LIV Golf and its top players, who currently do not receive the same recognition as those in the PGA Tour. [thesportsrush.com]

Bubbie Broders and Brad Dalke of the 'Good, Good' guys talk about the Good Good Desert Open, streaming on Peacock, and how they build an audience in golf. [nbcsports.com]

In Irish golf news, Tom McKibbin is set to contend for his second DP World Tour victory in Qatar, while Shane Lowry and Seamus Power are preparing for the Waste Management Phoenix Open in Arizona. Lauren Walsh and Olivia Mehaffey are starting their season at the Magical Kenya Ladies Open, and Mark Power, Gary Hurley, and Jonathan Caldwell are participating in the Bains Whiskey Cape Town Open. [irishgolf.ie]

The PGA Tour's deal with the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia has led to trust issues between players and the PGA Tour Commissioner, Jay Monahan. The deal, worth up to $3 billion, has left players feeling left in the dark. Rory McIlroy's changing stance on the deal has raised eyebrows, with him now advocating for a unified sport and for players who defected to the Saudi-backed LIV Golf to be allowed back without punishment. The divide over the Saudi money and its role in the sport's future remains a contentious issue. [apnews.com]

PGA Tour players express mixed feelings about Commissioner Jay Monahan's leadership. Some players, like Kevin Kisner and Mark Hubbard, criticize the lack of communication and reactive approach. Others, like Stewart Cink and Brian Harman, acknowledge the challenges faced and commend Monahan's handling of the situation. Several players, including Zach Johnson and Justin Rose, emphasize the importance of accountability and business principles. Some, like Xander Schauffele and Nick Taylor, suggest the need for new leadership or express conditional support. [apnews.com]

Nike's 27-year partnership with Tiger Woods has come to an end, leading to speculation about the future of Nike in golf. Nike stopped manufacturing golf equipment in 2016 and the golf segment was not profitable. The company plans to focus more on its running division, which has greater market potential. While Nike has signed new deals with other golfers, it is likely that they will downsize the golf division rather than ending it completely. [thesportsrush.com]

Tiger Woods' TGL League faced a setback due to the collapse of the building that would house the virtual course, but it continues to add players, with Tommy Fleetwood likely being the final addition. Social media users have reacted with humor and opinions about the league. The league's current status includes six franchises and 22 committed players, with plans for a live television show and broadcast on ESPN. [sportskeeda.com]

This article discusses 10 decorated players who have been left out of the LPGA Hall of Fame, despite their impressive careers and achievements. Players like Laura Davies, Meg Mallon, and Dottie Pepper have accumulated significant points but have not met the specific criteria for induction. The article highlights their accomplishments and mentions their induction into the World Golf Hall of Fame.

Jon Rahm's debut in LIV Golf was impressive as his team, Legion XIII, took the team title. Despite missing out on the individual win, Rahm showcased his skills with seven birdies in the first round and a strong performance throughout. The debut of young player Caleb Surratt also stood out, finishing in 13th place and earning a significant prize. The LIV Tour's new players had mixed results, but Rahm's addition has brought renewed energy to the league. The next tournament will be held in Las Vegas.

The Legends Tour and Ian Woosnam are teaming up for the milestone 'Barbados Legends hosted by Ian Woosnam' tournament, which will take place in May 2024 at the stunning Apes Hill Barbados. The tournament marks the Caribbean debut for the Legends Tour and will feature a picturesque par-72 layout designed by Ron Kirby. The event will include competitive action, a unique 'Legends Experience' for passionate golf fans, and pro-am tournaments. Woosnam, a golf icon and ambassador for Apes Hill, expressed his excitement about the tournament and the breathtaking course. The Legends Tour CEO and the executive chairman of Apes Hill Barbados also shared their enthusiasm for hosting the event and showcasing the world-class facilities of Apes Hill. [irishgolfer.ie]

The inaugural Ultimate Golf Challenge in Dubai was a success, bringing together ten franchise-owned teams for a unique corporate tournament at the Emirates Golf Club. Petrochem Condors emerged as the champions, with a team made up of everyday people. The tournament featured various formats and kept the excitement going until the end. The event has the potential to grow and attract more participants from the corporate sector in the future. [khaleejtimes.com]

Arkansas Women's Golf Team came from behind to win the Puerto Rico Women's Classic by one shot, defeating LSU. Ela Anacona led Arkansas with a solo tenth-place finish. Anna Morgan of Furman won the individual title. Ingrid Lindblad of LSU finished in second place. [amateurgolfnews.com]

The Ohio men's golf team wrapped up the MAC/A10 Challenge with a win over Loyola Chicago, earning seventh place in the tournament. Jack Neville and Sam Hogan were standout performers for Ohio, with Neville recording two eagles and Hogan securing two individual victories. The team will next compete in the Ross Collegiate Classic hosted by George Mason in March. [ohiobobcats.com]

The University of South Florida women's golf team won the FAU Paradise Invitational, with senior Melanie Green capturing the individual championship. South Florida posted a score of 857 (-7) to secure the win, their second of the season. Green finished with a score of 210 (-6) and led the field in scoring on the par fives and par three scoring. This victory marks the fifth under Head Coach Erika Brennan and the first team win since 2020. The Bulls will compete in the Westbrook Invitational next. [gousfbulls.com]

The UConn men's golf team won the BIG EAST Match Play event for the third consecutive season, finishing with a 3-0 record against Butler, Creighton, and Seton Hall. Senior Jimmy Paradise and freshman Alex Heard both had perfect 3-0 records, leading the team to victory. The Huskies will continue their tournament play in the Palmas Del Mar Intercollegiate in Puerto Rico. [uconnhuskies.com]

The Phoenix Open, also known as The People's Open, attracts high attendances with fans flocking to all four days of the PGA Tour event. While precise figures for recent editions are not available, the 2018 event saw a total of 719,120 fans, with the Saturday being the most popular day. The tournament's popularity has grown over the years, with attendance surpassing 600,000 in 2016. The 16th hole at TPC Scottsdale can seat anywhere from 16,000 to 20,000 people. Saturday is traditionally the best day to attend the Phoenix Open, with over 200,000 fans in recent years. [golfmonthly.com]

Playing golf at TPC Scottsdale's Stadium Course can be quite expensive, with green fees ranging from $299 to $550 depending on the time of year. Rates are lower in April and even lower during hotter months. It is recommended to book a package through TPC Vacations or a similar provider, which can include accommodations at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess hotel. [thegolfnewsnet.com]

According to the article, a 9-hole round of golf should take about 2 hours. However, the actual pace of play can vary depending on factors such as skill level, course difficulty, and the number of people on the course. There are also tips provided to speed up the pace of play, such as using gimmes, playing ready golf, and choosing the right tee box. [thegolfnewsnet.com]

The USGA determines the par for each golf hole based on distance and the expected number of strokes an expert player would require. The USGA guidelines state that a hole is considered a par 3 if it is 0-250 yards for men and 0-210 yards for women, a par 4 if it is 251-470 yards for men and 211-400 yards for women, a par 5 if it is 471-690 yards for men and 401-575 yards for women, and a par 6 if it is 691+ yards for men and 576+ yards for women. [thegolfnewsnet.com]

In this podcast episode, FanDuel Research's Brandon Gdula and Jim Sannes discuss the WM Phoenix Open, including Scottie Scheffler's chances of winning and undervalued golfers in betting markets. They also share their favorite DFS plays of the week on FanDuel. [fanduel.com]

This article discusses the ongoing talks between the PGA Tour and Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) regarding a potential deal with LIV Golf. The future of golf remains uncertain as negotiations continue, with questions about the impact of increasing money in the sport. The article includes insights from golfers David Howell and Dame Laura Davies, who express concerns about the potential negative effects of excessive money on the game. The podcast also touches on recent golf events and the role of PIF in the sport. [skysports.com]

Tour Edge has updated their Hot Launch 524 family of drivers, including the C524 and E524 models. The C524 is designed for players with medium to fast swing speeds, featuring a classically shaped head with high resistance to twisting and a low center of gravity. The E524 is made for slow to medium swing speeds, offering an easy-to-hit forgiving driver. Both drivers come with advanced technology and materials at golfer-friendly prices. Tour Edge also offers the Hot Launch 524 irons, including the super game-improvement E524 model and the game-improvement C524 model, with features such as hollow body construction and draw bias heel weighting. Custom orders for Hot Launch clubs can be shipped in 48 hours. [calgolfnews.com]

When it comes to golf, sunglasses are often overlooked but are equally essential for better visual acuity and comfort. Tips for picking the perfect pair include wide lens coverage for clear vision and protection, contrast-enhancing tint for better distinction and reading greens, scratch-resistant lenses for durability, and a comfortable fit with adjustable features and a wraparound style for stability. [gilaherald.com]

This document is a roundup of the latest golf products and styles for 2024. It features new golf shoes from Under Armour and adidas, a training collection from FootJoy, and trendy streetwear pieces. The document also highlights products that caught attention on Instagram and includes a section on the Gum Tree Golf & Nature Club brand. Additionally, it mentions a few other products that caught the eye, such as a vest from Bad Birdie and a crewneck sweatshirt from the Malbon X adidas collaboration. [golfdigest.com]

Northbrook Park District's Heritage Oaks Golf Course has been named a "Top 50 Range" in the public category by the Golf Range Association of America for the second year in a row. Additionally, the director of golf instruction, Michael Wenzel, has been recognized as one of the "Top 100 Growth of the Game" teaching professionals. This prestigious national recognition highlights the park district's commitment to excellence and positions the golf course among the industry's elite. [dailyherald.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.