Planet Golf News - February 9, 2024

Professional golfer Danny Lee expresses his happiness about living in Las Vegas, citing the presence of strip clubs as a major reason. Lee, who recently moved from Dallas to Las Vegas, is participating in the LIV Golf tournament taking place in the city. His fellow golfer Kevin Na sees this as a potential business opportunity. The article also mentions their recommendations for restaurants and expresses Na's desire to return to the PGA Tour's Shriners Children's Open. [thegolfnewsnet.com]

Tyrrell Hatton comes to the rescue of his teammate Caleb Surratt after Surratt was blocked from checking into their Las Vegas hotel. Hatton provided his driver's license to help Surratt get a room for the night, showcasing their growing camaraderie as teammates. The LIV Golf Las Vegas tournament is set to take place, following the successful LIV Golf Mayakoba event where Team Legion XIII, led by Jon Rahm, emerged as the winners. [firstsportz.com]

Jon Rahm expresses his desire to return to the PGA Tour after joining LIV Golf, stating that he misses competing in events like Torrey Pines and Phoenix. Despite missing some events, Rahm does not regret his decision and is open to a potential return to the PGA Tour in any capacity. [wwos.nine.com.au]

Max Homa expressed his desire to come back to the WM Phoenix Open as a fan after retiring from golf. He shared his affection for the tournament and his love for playing in the rain. Homa also discussed the challenges of the course and suggested organizing the event in other locations to target a younger audience. [thesportsrush.com]

Scottie Scheffler believes that LIV Golfers should be allowed to rejoin the PGA Tour, but he insists that they should make a contribution to the tour. This comes after Rory McIlroy changed his stance on LIV Golf. [dailymail.co.uk]

Tyrrell Hatton expresses uncertainty about his future in the Ryder Cup after joining the LIV Golf League. While he believes Jon Rahm will still feature for Team Europe, Hatton acknowledges that his own Ryder Cup hopes are less clear due to the move. Hatton consulted with Rory McIlroy and Luke Donald, among others, before making the switch. The full qualification criteria for Team Europe's Ryder Cup team is yet to be confirmed. [skysports.com]

Adrian Meronk, after joining LIV Golf, revealed that he wasn't enjoying his career on the PGA Tour due to the demanding schedule and lack of family time. His defection has left a scar on the PGA Tour, and he is not alone in feeling this way, as Jon Rahm also cited similar concerns about the time demands and family welfare. [essentiallysports.com]

Carlos Ortiz, a golfer in the LIV Golf series, claims that players were promised Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points but have not received them. This has affected their rankings and caused controversy within the league. Despite efforts by LIV Golf to gain OWGR recognition, the format and qualification criteria of the league differ from other tours. Ortiz remains confident in the future of LIV Golf and its potential to change the sport. [firstsportz.com]

Major golf champions Brooks Koepka and Graeme McDowell are planning to watch their Cheltenham prospect Givemefive run in Kempton's Coral Adonis Juvenile Hurdle. Trained by Harry Derham, Givemefive has had a successful start to his juvenile hurdling career and carries the colors of Smash Racing, a syndicate that includes McDowell and Koepka. The race will determine if Givemefive is a genuine contender for the Cheltenham Festival. [newsletter.co.uk]

Richard Bland is delighted with his success in LIV Golf, having earned nearly $8.5m from 24 events. After a hole-in-one in Mexico and a T11 finish, he heads to Las Vegas with a positive outlook. Bland considers joining LIV Golf the best decision he ever made and is excited about the potential of his team, the Cleeks. He is enjoying his time in Las Vegas with his wife, exploring the city and planning to watch shows. [golfmonthly.com]

Dustin Johnson downplayed the PGA Tour's partnership with Strategic Sports Group (SSG), stating that he has no idea about the details and hasn't read anything on it. While some LIV Golf stars, like Bryson DeChambeau, welcomed the investment, a deal between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf is yet to be signed off. The PGA Tour remains in negotiation with the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia (PIF) and expects to finalize a deal before the Masters in April. [mirror.co.uk]

Austrian golfer Sepp Straka reflects on his journey to Ryder Cup success and credits his twin brother Sam for his support. Sepp Straka achieved success in golf after starting collegiate golf, surpassing his brother's skills. He describes his playing style as steady compared to Sam's ability to hit longer shots and make birdies from unlikely places. Straka holds memberships in both the PGA Tour and European Tour, with wins on the PGA Tour and notable finishes in major tournaments. [sportskeeda.com]

Cameron Smith expresses his desire to compete in the Olympics but acknowledges the disadvantage he faces in the race to secure a spot. The Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) and limited representation per country pose challenges. Smith's world ranking has been sliding, and he is at risk of being overtaken by other Australian players. However, he still has three upcoming majors to improve his rankings and increase his chances of participating in the Olympics. [wwos.nine.com.au]

Here’s a discussion about the ongoing conflict in professional golf and the decision the PGA Tour must make regarding the unification with LIV Golf. While the PGA Tour has partnered with private equity, talks with LIV Golf have gone cold. Some players are content with the current situation, but the article argues that a true unification is necessary for the sport to move forward. The financial stability gained from the partnership should not overshadow the fact that the PGA Tour is battling a foreign kingdom with unlimited resources. The article emphasizes the need for adult leadership and the difficult decisions that lie ahead for the tour and its players. [golfdigest.com]

Paige Spiranac, the well-known golfer and influencer, recently appeared as a guest on the "Fore Play" podcast, challenging the hosts and maintaining her provocative style. She also collaborated with golfer Bryson DeChambeau, sparking rumors of a possible relationship. Spiranac's presence on the podcast and connections with prominent golf figures highlight her influence in the industry. [marca.com]

Tommy Fleetwood was spotted at LIV Las Vegas working with Butch Harmon, sparking rumors about his potential involvement with LIV Golf. Fleetwood's presence at the event and his collaboration with Harmon, a renowned golf instructor, are significant. While there were no previous rumors about Fleetwood joining LIV, his appearance has generated speculation. However, Fleetwood has previously denied the rumors and stated that he is currently focused on his existing commitments. The golfing world awaits further developments regarding the merger and investments in the sport. [sportskeeda.com]

Fans react to Scottie Scheffler's comments about the return of LIV golfers to the PGA Tour. Scheffler believes there should be consequences for their return instead of a warm welcome. Some fans argue that the LIV golfers were forced to leave the tour, while others claim they don't even want to return and just want points for eligibility in Majors. Rickie Fowler shares similar views as Scheffler, stating that there should not be a direct road for the Saudi circuit players to return to the tour. [sportskeeda.com]

Tyrrell Hatton made a last-minute decision to join LIV Golf, with his caddie waiting at Heathrow Airport to find out if they would be heading to Pebble Beach or Mayakoba. After consulting with Ryder Cup teammates and European captain Luke Donald, Hatton ultimately decided to join LIV Golf, citing the fear of the unknown and the opportunity to step out of his comfort zone. The exact value of his contract with LIV is unknown, but it played a central role in his decision. Hatton's future in the Ryder Cup remains uncertain, but he has not resigned his DP World Tour membership. [golfmagic.com]

Tommy Fleetwood was spotted at LIV Las Vegas working with Butch Harmon, sparking rumors about his potential involvement with LIV Golf. Fleetwood's presence at the event and his collaboration with Harmon, a renowned golf instructor, are significant. While there were no previous rumors about Fleetwood joining LIV, his appearance has generated speculation. However, Fleetwood has previously denied the rumors and stated that he is currently focused on his existing commitments. The golfing world awaits further developments regarding the merger and investments in the sport. [sportskeeda.com]

The 2024 Commercial Bank Qatar Masters has a purse of $2.5 million, with the winner's share at $425,000. The tournament offers Official World Golf Ranking points, exemptions, and Race to Dubai points. The prize money payout for the event is listed in a table, with the top 8 players in the Race to Dubai standings receiving a share of the $6 million bonus pool. [thegolfnewsnet.com]

China's Ashun Wu and South African Zander Lombard share the lead after the first round of the Qatar Masters, both carding five-under-par 67s. Lombard had three birdies on the front nine and two more on the final three holes, while Wu had five birdies and no bogeys. Dylan Frittelli, the winner in Bahrain, is five shots behind after a level par round with four bogeys. [devdiscourse.com]

The Astara Golf Championship presented by Mastercard is set to begin at the Country Club de Bogotá in Colombia. The tournament features two courses, Lagos and Pacos, with Lagos being ranked as the fourth most difficult course on the Korn Ferry Tour. The field includes international players and past winners, including Rhein Gibson and Mark Anderson. In 2023, Gibson secured his second career win at the Astara Golf Championship. The tournament offers a purse of $1,000,000 and has notable scoring records and past playoff events. [pgatour.com]

Conor Purcell is one shot off the lead after an opening round of 67 at the Bain's Whiskey Cape Town Open in South Africa. He had a strong front nine and held his score on the back nine, trailing Bradley Bawden and Tapio Pulkannen by one shot. Purcell was pleased with his performance and is looking forward to the next round. [irishgolfer.ie]

Tickets, corporate hospitality packages, and volunteer opportunities are now available for the 2024 Mizuho Americas Open, taking place from May 13-19, 2024 at Liberty National Golf Club in Jersey City, New Jersey. Defending champion Rose Zhang will compete against the best golfers in the world, with LPGA icon Michelle Wie West serving as the tournament host. Various ticket options are available, including general admission and a 5-day pass. Corporate hospitality packages are also offered. The event will feature a $3 million purse and will concurrently host an American Junior Golf Association Invitational. Volunteers are needed for various positions. [einnews.com]

Australian golfers Haydn Barron and Harrison Endycott have made impressive starts at the Qatar Masters, with Barron tied for third and Endycott just one shot behind. They are chasing the joint-leaders Zander Lombard and Ashun Wu. Barron finished strong with three consecutive birdies, while Endycott had a dramatic eagle on the 14th hole. Both players are optimistic about their game and excited to play on the European circuit in 2024. [golfaustralia.com.au]

Neal Shipley of Ohio State has been named the Big Ten Men's Golfer of the Week after winning the Southwestern Invitational with a score of 12-under par. This was his first collegiate victory, and he made a total of 19 birdies throughout the tournament. Shipley will be competing in the Puerto Rico Classic next week. [ohiostatebuckeyes.com]

Maria José Marin, a freshman on the Arkansas women's golf team, has won her third SEC Freshman Golfer of the Week award, despite only playing in four tournaments. Her recent award was earned after a strong performance at the Purdue Puerto Rico Classic, where she finished tied for 16th out of 90 golfers. Arkansas also won the tournament as a team. [sports.yahoo.com]

Florida golfer Ian Gilligan will have the opportunity to play at Augusta National Golf Club, thanks to teammate Matthew Kress who generously offered his spot. Gilligan, who transferred to the Gators from Long Beach State, had requested a round at Augusta National through the Make-a-Wish Foundation during his battle with lymphoma as a teenager. The chance to play at Augusta National is a rare and special opportunity, and Gilligan expressed his gratitude for Kress' selfless act. [orlandosentinel.com]

Youth on Course, an organization dedicated to helping young golfers overcome financial barriers, has achieved the milestone of facilitating 3 million rounds of golf in just 18 years. With over 200,000 members, the organization offers affordable access to more than 2,000 courses in the United States, Canada, and Australia. The three millionth round was played by Cruz Amador at Don Knabe Golf Center in Norwalk, California. Youth on Course's CEO, Adam Heieck, emphasizes the organization's mission of making golf inclusive and transformative for future generations. [golfcity.com]

According to Forbes, LIV Golfers dominate the list of highest-paid golfers, with Jon Rahm at the top with estimated earnings of $390m. Other top earners include Phil Mickelson ($205m), Dustin Johnson ($186.5m), Brooks Koepka ($120m), and Cameron Smith ($110m). These figures are based on prize money, signing-on fees, and off-course sponsorship deals. [golfmonthly.com]

Scottsdale golf courses in Arizona have implemented a sophisticated water management system to ensure the lush green turf remains sustainable in an arid region. The courses rely on reclaimed water from a state-of-the-art sewage treatment plant, which purifies water from various sources. The system can deliver 20 million gallons of non-potable water per day to the courses, with excess water being pumped back into the city's aquifers. This innovative approach to water conservation showcases the nuanced relationship between golf and water use in the region. [golf.com]

PGA Tour winners do not necessarily take the trophy home with them after a tournament ends. Often, the trophy is left at the tournament and then shipped to the winner's home later. Some players prefer to have the trophy shipped to them rather than travel with it. However, there are certain events, like The Players and the Masters, where winners may take the trophy or jacket home with them. [thegolfnewsnet.com]

There are several golf-themed social networks available for golfers to connect, share their experiences, and create communities. One of the newest players in this space is GolfLync, which allows users to share videos, connect with other golfers, and create virtual golf clubs. The platform is growing quickly and offers features like searching for golfers based on location and preferences. Golf News Net has joined the GolfLync community and looks forward to connecting with others on the platform. [thegolfnewsnet.com]

Cristobal Del Solar, a Chilean golfer, recently made history by tying the lowest nine-hole score in the Korn Ferry Tour's history. This article provides an overview of Del Solar's rise in the golfing world, from his early days playing at Granadilla Country Club in Chile to his professional wins on the PGA Tour Latinoamerica. Del Solar's recent record-breaking performance has garnered attention and elevated his ranking in the OWGR. [essentiallysports.com]

Odyssey has released the Ai-ONE Cruiser putters, featuring the Ai-ONE insert for consistent ball speeds. The putters come in three models, with unique features such as the Ai Window, SL 140 & 200 Shafts, interchangeable front weights, and a navy blue PVD finish. The #7 CRUISER, Double Wide CRUISER, Jailbird CRUISER, #7 Arm Lock, and #7 CS Broomstick are among the available options. The putters are available for pre-order and will be released on March 15th, retailing for £339/€399. [golfshake.com]

Cobra Golf has introduced their Darkspeed family of drivers, woods, and hybrids, which are now available at retail. These drivers feature aerodynamic shaping, a re-engineered PWR-BRIDGE, and an AI-designed PWRSHELL H.O.T. Face for increased clubhead speed. The lineup includes the Darkspeed LS for lower spin and workability, the Darkspeed X for a blend of speed and forgiveness, and the Darkspeed Max for forgiveness and draw bias. Each model offers unique weight configurations and adjustability options. The drivers also incorporate technologies like PWR-Bridge, PWRSHELL, lightweight carbon crown, and MyFly 8 with SmartPad technology. The Darkspeed Max Driver is also available in a women's edition. [pgatour.com]

Cobra's Darkspeed Max driver performed exceptionally well in robotic testing, showing significant improvements in forgiveness and carry distance compared to previous models. The driver's carry distance delta on mishits was just 6.5 yards, making it a great option for golfers with inconsistent contact. The 9- and 10.5-degree Darkspeed Max models, in particular, demonstrated high forgiveness, with little to no distance loss even on off-center strikes. [golf.com]

In stroke play, there is no penalty for playing out of turn, and it is encouraged in the context of ready golf. In match play, although there is no penalty, the opponent can demand that the player take the stroke again. However, the opponent is not required to cancel the stroke if the player has played out of turn. In certain circumstances in stroke play, if players agree to play out of turn to give one of them an advantage and one of them then plays out of turn, each player who made the agreement will receive a two-stroke penalty. [golfmonthly.com]

When it rains heavily in a golf tournament, lift, clean, and place rules are often implemented to allow players to pick up, clean, and place their golf ball within a scorecard's length of its original position in the fairway. This rule rewards players for hitting and staying in the fairways and prevents penalties from muddy conditions. However, this rule does not apply on the putting surfaces or areas other than the fairway or green. Some purists consider this rule as cheating, and record scores shot under lift, clean, and place rules may not be counted in official records. [thegolfnewsnet.com]

Developers are betting on Florida's boggy Martin County to become an unexpected golf mecca. While Florida is often considered underwhelming for golf, with its flat marsh terrain, the state has the most golf courses in the US. However, there is a growing demand for more courses, with 16 new projects under construction or in planning in Florida alone. [bloomberg.com]

This article highlights four of the hardest public golf courses in the United States: Bethpage Black in New York, The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island in South Carolina, Pebble Beach Golf Links in California, and Whistling Straits in Wisconsin. These courses offer challenging layouts, stunning views, and have hosted prestigious tournaments. Other honorable mentions include Torrey Pines, TPC Sawgrass, and Chambers Bay. [pga.com]

Golfers in the Pittsburgh area are taking advantage of unusually warm weather in early February to hit the links. Despite it being winter, golf courses are allowing play as long as the temperature is above 32 degrees and there is no frost on the grass. Golfers are reminded to follow rules such as keeping carts on the path and fixing divots and ball marks to preserve the course. [cbsnews.com]

This article highlights six public golf courses on Cape Cod that are currently open for play. The courses are listed in order of proximity to the Bourne Bridge and include The Brookside Club, Cape Cod Country Club, Olde Barnstable Fairgrounds Golf Course, Bass River Golf Course, Cranberry Valley Golf Course, and Highland Links. Each course is described with notable features and reasons to play. Golfers are advised to call ahead for tee times and can find additional options in the Mass Golf Club Directory. [massgolf.org]

The Desert Mashie Golf Club in Arizona made history as the first minority-inclusive golf club in the state. Founded in 1946 by African-American players who were denied access to other courses, the club now has 180 members and continues to promote inclusivity and community engagement. [12news.com]

A resurfaced picture featuring Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson has golf fans reminiscing about their rivalry era. The picture is from the 2005 US Open, where Michael Campbell emerged as the winner, defeating both Woods and Mickelson. The event holds significance as it was Campbell's only major title win. Fans express nostalgia for the rivalry between Woods and Mickelson, who now plays exclusively on LIV Golf. [essentiallysports.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.