Friday, December 20, 2024

PlanetGolfNews + Marie Birdie

[ THE LEADERBOARD ]

Today’s Top Golf News in Three Minutes

Good Morning,

Golf fans, there’s a lot to unpack this week! From major awards and exciting tournament updates to some eyebrow-raising drama, the golf world is abuzz with news. Let’s dive right in.

First up, a big congratulations to Nick Dunlap, who has been named the PGA Tour’s Arnold Palmer Rookie of the Year. At just 20 years old, Dunlap has already left his mark with wins at The American Express and the Barracuda Championship. This accolade makes him the youngest Rookie of the Year since Jordan Spieth back in 2013. Turning pro after his first win, Dunlap closed out his amateur career as the top-ranked player in the World Amateur Golf Ranking. A star is officially on the rise, and we can’t wait to see what’s next for this prodigy.

Meanwhile, on a less celebratory note, Marco Penge has found himself in hot water. The DP World Tour pro has been handed a three-month suspension and fined £2,000 for betting on golf events. Penge maintains that it was a genuine misunderstanding, thinking it was permissible to bet on tournaments he wasn’t playing in. While he won’t return to competition until February, he’s determined to move past this setback.

The spotlight also shines brightly on the PNC Championship, which kicks off this weekend at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club in Orlando, Florida. This family-focused tournament brings together legends of the game and their loved ones in a fun, two-day scramble format. All eyes will be on Tiger Woods and his son, Charlie, as they team up for their fifth appearance. While they’ve come close in the past, the duo is still chasing their first win. Other big names to watch include defending champions Bernhard and Jason Langer, Nelly and Petr Korda, and the evergreen Lee Trevino, playing alongside his son Daniel.

Adding to the excitement, Fred Couples is making his PNC debut with his stepson Hunter. The tournament’s inclusive format, featuring tees adjusted for age and skill, ensures it’s a blast for everyone involved. With a $1.085 million purse on the line and plenty of heartwarming family moments, it’s must-watch TV.

Over in Mauritius, Eddie Pepperell is leading the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open after an excellent six-under-par 66 in the opening round. The DP World Tour event, held at the picturesque Mont Choisy Le Golf, is off to an exciting start, with Pepperell’s three consecutive birdies securing his spot at the top. Hot on his heels is Jacob Skov Olesen, just one stroke back, and a competitive pack not far behind. With the lush backdrop of Grand Baie, this tournament promises more thrilling golf in the days ahead.

Finally, a quick glance at the broader golf landscape. Colin Montgomerie has stirred up debate by criticizing the introduction of player payments in the Ryder Cup, arguing it taints the event’s spirit. He suggests redirecting those funds to grassroots and women’s golf, a sentiment many fans might agree with. And in broadcasting news, Gary Williams is set to return to the Golf Channel in 2025 with a new morning show, 5 Clubs.

With everything from heartwarming family competitions to young stars blazing trails and even some controversy to keep us talking, it’s a great time to be a golf fan. Stay tuned for more updates, and don’t forget to catch the PNC Championship this weekend—it’s going to be a good one!

[ Today’s Top Golf News ] 

Major Golf Tournaments happening this week

2024 PNC Championship - Ritz-Carlton Golf Club - Orlando, Grande Lake, FL

The 2024 PNC Championship is set to take place this weekend, December 21-22, at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club in Orlando, Florida. This unique tournament features 20 teams composed of major champions and their family members competing in a scramble format over two rounds.

The event is particularly exciting this year as Tiger Woods makes his return to competition alongside his son Charlie Woods. They will be joining an impressive lineup of golf legends and their family members, including defending champions Bernhard and Jason Langer, Nelly and Petr Korda, and 85-year-old Lee Trevino competing with his son Daniel.

The tournament follows a special format that allows participants to compete using five different sets of tees based on age and skill levels. This creates a more inclusive and enjoyable experience for both players and spectators. The championship offers a total purse of $1.085 million, with $200,000 going to the winning team.

Fans can watch the tournament on Golf Channel and NBC, with additional streaming options available through Peacock, NBCSports.com, and the NBC Sports App. The Woods team, who have never won the championship but have finished second in 2021, will be looking to claim their first title in this memorable family golf event.

• 2024 PNC Championship: Top 5 Bets for Golf's Ultimate Family Event

• 2024 PNC Championship Saturday tee times: Round 1 groupings

• Tiger Woods, Charlie Woods at 2024 PNC Championship: Schedule, tee times, how to watch

PNC Championship  Stories

• 5 Big Name Teams We'd Love To See Play In The PNC Championship - golfmonthly.com

• What fun facts do you need to know about the PNC Championship? - golfweek.usatoday.com

• John Daly spotted smoking on the course, announces his arrival at the PNC Championship - sportskeeda.com

• Is Annika Sorenstam’s son Will McGee the youngest player at PNC Championship? Age compared - sportskeeda.com

• Masters champion Trevor Immelman makes debut at PNC Championship with son Jacob - golfweek.usatoday.com

• Tiger Woods, son Charlie, playing PNC Championship for fifth time, looking for first title - palmbeachpost.com

• Annika Sorenstam is back at PNC Championship, where son Will McGee is outdriving her - golfweek.usatoday.com

• Gary Player reveals the unique way he picks his PNC Championship teammate - sportskeeda.com

• Who are the amateurs competing in the 2024 PNC Championship? Playing field explored ft. Charlie Woods and John Daly II - sportskeeda.com

• Who was the first woman to play in the PNC Championship? Tournament history explored - sportskeeda.com

PNC Championship  Videos

AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open - DP World Tour - Mont Choisy Le Golf - Grand Bale, Mauritus

Eddie Pepperell emerged as the leader after round 1 of the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open, finishing with an impressive score of six-under-par 66. He secured the top position by making three consecutive birdies towards the end of his round. Following him is Jacob Skov Olesen, who finished at five-under-par 67. Several players are tied for third at four-under-par, including Hamish Brown and Renato Paratore, both of whom shot 68. The tournament is being held at Mont Choisy Le Golf in Grand Baie, Mauritius, and features a competitive field as part of the DP World Tour.

• 2025 AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open: TV Schedule, Ticket Info & More Explored

AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open  Stories

• Pepperell enjoys a ‘Honeymoon’ round of golf to lead Mauritius Open - supersport.com

• Eddie Pepperell Opens with a 66, Leads AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open - progolfweekly.com

• Eddie Pepperell leads after big finish in Mauritius - europeantour.com

• AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open - Day one digest - europeantour.com

AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open  Videos

Ryder Cup (Sept 25-28, 2025)

Today’s Best Golf Videos

Overheard in the Club House

UPCOMING TOURS

Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up HERE for FREE