Planet Golf News for Friday, December 13, 2024

Rickie Fowler, Lexi Thompson are back at Grant Thornton look to learn from each other | Jason Day, Lydia Ko ready to defend Grant Thornton Invitational title | Corey Shaun opens Final Stage of PGA TOUR Q-School presented by Korn Ferry in 9-under 61, leads by five strokes

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PGN News Team
December 13, 2024

Friday, December 13, 2024

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[ THE LEADERBOARD ]

Today’s Top Golf News in Three Minutes

Good Morning,

Golf’s Fresh Momentum: Skins, TGL, and Exciting Tournaments Ahead

The golf world is buzzing with fresh energy as traditions blend with innovation, creating a season of thrilling comebacks, new beginnings, and spirited competition. Let’s dive into what’s making waves this week.

First up, the legendary Skins Game is returning, and it’s getting a modern makeover! After a 17-year hiatus, this iconic event is set to debut on Black Friday 2025. The Skins Game aims to capture the spirit of golf while appealing to younger audiences through tech-savvy media partnerships and creative collaborations with the PGA Tour. It’s a nostalgic nod to the past with a vision for the future, and fans are eager to see how this reimagined format unfolds.

Meanwhile, the upcoming TGL League has announced a powerhouse broadcast team, including ESPN favorites Scott Van Pelt, Marty Smith, and Matt Barrie. This innovative league kicks off on January 7, 2025, with live coverage across ESPN platforms and a sneak peek on ABC just two days prior. The high-tech SoFi Center, complete with simulator screens and a rotating green, sets the stage for this groundbreaking league. It’s golf like you’ve never seen before, blending cutting-edge technology with the sport’s timeless charm.

Speaking of charm, the Grant Thornton Invitational is underway at Tiburon Golf Club in Naples, Florida. This mixed-team event, featuring 16 LPGA and PGA players, is a highlight of the season. Returning champions Lydia Ko and Jason Day are favorites to watch, but the field is packed with exciting pairings like Nelly Korda and Daniel Berger, and Rickie Fowler alongside Lexi Thompson. The event promises a thrilling mix of formats—scramble, foursome, and modified four-ball—keeping fans glued to Golf Channel and NBC throughout the weekend.

In the DP World Tour’s Alfred Dunhill Championship, Andy Sullivan leads after a stellar opening round of 8-under 64. Leopard Creek Country Club provides a stunning backdrop for this co-sanctioned event, which is part of the 2025 DP World Tour’s early swing. With its proximity to Kruger National Park, the venue offers a unique mix of world-class golf and breathtaking scenery.

Over at TPC Sawgrass, the PGA Tour Q-School is heating up. Corey Shaun stole the show with a record-breaking 9-under 61, taking a commanding lead. This final stage of the Korn Ferry Tour’s Q-School is a career-defining moment for players chasing coveted PGA Tour cards for 2025. With a mix of young talents and seasoned pros vying for glory, the drama is set to escalate as the weekend unfolds.

Off the greens, Lydia Ko and Nelly Korda are calling for a visionary leader as the next LPGA commissioner. Their wishlist includes someone with a deep understanding of women’s sports, strong sponsor relations, and a commitment to growing the tour. It’s clear the players are looking for a leader who can steer the LPGA into a bright future.

Rounding out the headlines, Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler are organizing “The Showdown,” an exhibition match aimed at bridging the gap between PGA Tour and LIV Golf players. Meanwhile, rumors of a Ryder Cup-style clash between the two tours have fans dreaming of epic matchups. And for a dose of fun, Matt Kuchar’s hilariously failed slang quiz during the Grant Thornton Invitational press conference reminds us why golf’s crossover events bring such joy to the sport.

With iconic tournaments, new formats, and a mix of tradition and innovation, golf’s landscape is more exciting than ever. Whether you’re tuning in for the Skins Game revival, the TGL’s tech-fueled debut, or the spirited competition at the Grant Thornton Invitational, this season promises something for every golf fan.

[ Today’s Top Golf News ] 

Skins Game to make return to Thanksgiving week with a modern look

A modern version of The Skins Game will return on Black Friday 2025, marking its first appearance since 2008, with a focus on appealing to younger audiences through innovative media partnerships and collaborations with the PGA Tour. The event aims to celebrate golf traditions while engaging today's sports fans.

Who are the announcers for the TGL? Meet the broadcast crew

ESPN announced the broadcast team for the new TGL golf league, featuring Scott Van Pelt, Marty Smith, and Matt Barrie, starting January 7, 2025. Fans can watch live on ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPN+, with a preview special airing on ABC on January 5.

Lydia Ko predicts her teammate will look "more fashionable" than her at the Grant Thornton Invitational

Lydia Ko and Jason Day return to defend their title at the Grant Thornton Invitational, with Ko predicting Day will look "more fashionable" due to his bold new style choices. The tournament features a competitive field of LPGA and PGA Tour players and runs thru Sunday.

Nelly Korda, Lydia Ko weigh in on what they’d like to see in next LPGA commissioner

LPGA players, including Nelly Korda and Lydia Ko, share their thoughts on the qualities needed in the next commissioner, emphasizing experience, understanding of women's sports, clear vision, trust, and proactive communication with sponsors to enhance the tour's growth and investment.

[ Today’s Feature Golf Reads ] 

Major Golf Tournaments happening this week

Rickie Fowler, Lexi Thompson are back at Grant Thornton look to learn from each other

Grant Thornton Invitational - Tiburon Golf Club - Naples, FL

The 2024 Grant Thornton Invitational is set to begin today at Tiburon Golf Club in Naples, Florida. This three-day mixed-team event features 16 teams, each consisting of one PGA Tour player and one LPGA player, competing for a $4 million purse with a $1 million first-place prize.

Defending champions Lydia Ko and Jason Day are returning to defend their title against a strong field that includes top-ranked players like Nelly Korda, who will now be paired with Daniel Berger after Tony Finau's withdrawal due to knee issues. Other notable pairings include Rickie Fowler with Lexi Thompson, Rose Zhang with Sahith Theegala, and Brooke Henderson with Corey Conners.

The tournament will showcase three distinct playing formats over the 54 holes: scramble, foursome, and modified four-ball. Golf fans can catch the action on Golf Channel and NBC, with coverage split between the two networks throughout the weekend.

Grant Thorton Invitational Stories

Amanda Balionis brings Christmas to her outfit as she rocks all white & red for her return to LPGA’s Grant Thornton Invitational

Amanda Balionis returns to cover the Grant Thornton Invitational in a festive red and white outfit, featuring a red blazer. The tournament starts on December 13, 2024, with 16 teams from the LPGA and PGA Tour competing for a $400,000 prize. Notable participants include Lexi Thompson and Rickie Fowler.

Grant Thorton Invitational Videos

PGA Tour Q School: Well-traveled Corey Shaun breaks TPC Sawgrass Dye's Valley record with a 61

PGA TOUR Q-School presented by Korn Ferry - TPC Sawgrass - Ponte Vedra Beach, FL

The PGA TOUR Q-School presented by Korn Ferry is currently underway at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. The final stage of this high-stakes event began on yesterday and will conclude on Sunday. A field of 171 golfers are competing across two courses: TPC Sawgrass' Dye's Valley Course and Sawgrass Country Club.

The tournament has garnered significant attention as it offers a coveted prize: PGA TOUR cards for the 2025 season to the top five finishers and ties. This represents a life-changing opportunity for many participants, ranging from young talents to seasoned professionals seeking to regain their TOUR status.

In the opening round, Corey Shaun made headlines by shooting a spectacular 9-under 61 at the Dye's Valley Course, setting a new competitive course record and taking a commanding five-stroke lead. His performance has set the tone for what promises to be an intense competition over the remaining 54 holes.

The field includes a mix of rising stars, former TOUR winners, and international players, all vying for the chance to compete at golf's highest level. Notable participants include multiple TOUR winners Nick Watney and Sean O'Hair, as well as promising young talents like Christo Lamprecht and Pierceson Coody.

With windy conditions expected for the weekend, the tournament is shaping up to be a dramatic test of skill and nerves as players chase those coveted TOUR cards.

PGA Tour Q-School  Stories

PGA Tour Q-School  Videos

Sullivan takes early lead in Alfred Dunhill

Alfred Dunhill Championship - Leopard Creek CC - Malelane, South Africa

The Alfred Dunhill Championship is currently underway at Leopard Creek Country Club in Malelane, South Africa. After the first round, Andy Sullivan has taken the lead with an impressive 8-under 64, putting him one stroke ahead of the field. The tournament, which is co-sanctioned by the DP World Tour and the Sunshine Tour, has attracted a strong field of players competing for the €1.5 million prize purse.

Among the notable participants, Tom McKibbin from Northern Ireland is five shots off the lead after the opening round. The event is part of the DP World Tour's 'Opening Swing' for the 2025 season, which features a series of tournaments in the southern hemisphere.

Leopard Creek Country Club, known for its picturesque setting on the edge of Kruger National Park, presents a challenging 7,112-yard par-72 course. The tournament has a rich history, with past champions like Charl Schwartzel and Louis Oosthuizen in the field. This year's edition is particularly significant as it marks one of the early events in the 2025 DP World Tour schedule, offering players a chance to gain valuable points in the Race to Dubai.

Alfred Dunhill Championship Stories

Alfred Dunhill Championship Videos

Today’s Best Golf Videos

What’s in the Bag (WITB)

Need new putter grips? Why you should consider Golf Pride's Reverse Taper

Golf Pride's Reverse Taper putter grips feature a thicker bottom to reduce hand tension and enhance stability, available in three models: Flat, Pistol, and Round, retailing at $29.99. They have received positive feedback for improving performance across skill levels.

WATCH: Cobra DS-Adapt X, DS-Adapt LS, DS-Adapt Max-K, DS-Adapt Max-D drivers

Cobra made the DS-Adapt drivers more aerodynamic for a wide range of golfers.

Cobra DS-Adapt X, DS-Adapt LS, DS-Adapt Max-K, DS-Adapt Max-D drivers

Cobra's new DS-Adapt drivers feature advanced aerodynamics, customizable weights, and an innovative hosel system for optimal fitting. Available in four models, they cater to various player needs, enhancing distance, forgiveness, and control.

TaylorMade Spider Tour Black Series putters

TaylorMade's Spider Tour Black Series putters feature a stainless steel and aluminum design, a grooved face for better roll, and come in three head shapes. Priced at $349.99, they are ideal for golfers seeking a larger alignment aid and a soft feel, with advanced stability and vibration dampening technologies.

TaylorMade Spider Tour Black Putters

The TaylorMade Spider Tour X Black putter features a Pure Roll insert for improved roll, a small slant-neck hosel for toe hang suited to arced strokes, and a prominent True Path alignment stripe for better aiming. Weights are positioned in the sole for enhanced performance.

Cobra DS-Adapt, DS-Adapt Max irons

Cobra's new DS-Adapt and DS-Adapt Max irons are designed for golfers with handicaps between 10 and 20, offering improved distance and forgiveness. The DS-Adapt features a larger sweet spot and enhanced feel, while the Max version provides higher launch angles and more spin for slower-swinging players.

Cobra DS-Adapt X, DS-Adapt LS, DS-Adapt Max fairway woods

Cobra's 2025 DS-Adapt fairway woods feature a variable-thickness face for enhanced forgiveness, an adjustable hosel for customizable settings, and three models tailored for different player needs: X for speed and forgiveness, LS for low spin, and Max for draw bias.

Cobra DS-Adapt hybrids

Cobra DS-Adapt hybrids, priced at $299, feature a stainless steel chassis, adjustable hosel, and enhanced ball speed for golfers seeking speed and forgiveness. Available from January 10, they include advanced technologies for improved performance on off-center hits and customizable settings for loft and lie angles.

Overheard in the Club House

'Bryson’s A Good Dude' - Brooks Koepka Admits He Was Wrong About Rival DeChambeau

Brooks Koepka admits he was wrong about Bryson DeChambeau, acknowledging their past rivalry has evolved into a solid friendship since joining LIV Golf, where they found common ground and mutual respect.

The PGA Tour's lone event in Asia will have a new title sponsor in 2025

Baycurrent Inc. will be the new title sponsor for the PGA Tour's only event in Japan, now called the Baycurrent Classic, moving to Yokohama Country Club in 2025. This event allows top Japanese players to compete alongside PGA Tour professionals.

'It Was Really About Us Taking This Into Our Own Hands' - McIlroy On How PGA Tour-LIV Golf Showdown Came To Fruition

Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler are organizing The Showdown exhibition match to bridge the gap between PGA Tour and LIV Golf players, emphasizing the importance of competition and collaboration in the sport's future. McIlroy expressed frustration with the slow negotiations between the tours but is optimistic about the event's potential to unite golfers.

LIV Golf Pair Hint At Ryder Cup-Style Match Against PGA Tour

Brooks Koepka and Bryson DeChambeau hint at a potential Ryder Cup-style match against the PGA Tour, following their exhibition match with Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler. They emphasize the growing interest in cross-tour competitions and foresee more events that could unite the best players from both tours.

Have an inside look at the TGL's SoFi Center — it's must-see stuff

The TGL's debut season starts on January 7, 2025, featuring a match between top golf clubs. Rory McIlroy previews the SoFi Center, which boasts impressive tech including a large simulator screen and a rotating green for varied approach angles.

11 things you probably don't remember about the Skins Game

The Skins Game, a once-popular golf event, featured memorable moments like Lee Trevino's hole-in-one and controversies such as Tom Watson accusing Gary Player of cheating. It was a TV ratings success, with significant prize money, but lost popularity over the years, culminating in its last event in 2008.

Kuchar epically fails quiz, golf's most underrated weeks | Rogers Report

Matt Kuchar humorously fails a Gen-Z slang quiz during the Grant Thornton Invitational, showcasing the fun crossover between PGA and LPGA players, while Lydia Ko and Jason Day express mutual admiration in a press conference. The upcoming weeks are highlighted as some of the most underrated in golf, emphasizing team dynamics and enjoyable content.

R&A Introduces New Transgender Policy For Top Women's Golf Events

The R&A has introduced a new policy banning transgender golfers who transitioned after male puberty from competing in top women's events, effective 2025, citing fairness based on medical advice. The policy does not apply at recreational levels, promoting inclusivity.

Latest Official World Golf Ranking

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Latest FedExCup Standings

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UPCOMING TOURS

PGA TOUR Schedule 2025

Click to see the entire PGA Tour Schedule for 2025 including the Previous winners and Purse.

LIV Golf Schedule 2025

Click to see the entire LIV Tour Schedule for 2025 including the Previous winners and Purse.

LPGA Tour Schedule 2025

Click to see the entire LPGA Tour Schedule for 2025 including the Previous winners and Purse.

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