Planet Golf News for Friday, December 6, 2024

Justin Thomas' brilliant back nine among highlights from Thursday at 2024 Hero World Challenge | Scottie Scheffler has new putting grip and trails Cameron Young by 3 | Defending champion Max Homa leads in Sun City | Smith, Niemann, Uihlein lead PIF Saudi International

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PGN News Team
December 06, 2024

Friday, December 6, 2024

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[ THE LEADERBOARD ]

Today’s Top Golf News in Three Minutes

Good Morning,

The golf world never ceases to deliver a mix of excitement, drama, and pivotal moments. From emotional goodbyes at Augusta to debates about the future of inclusivity in the sport, here’s your rundown of the week’s most compelling stories - so far.

The LPGA is entering 2024 with both challenges and opportunities. Under outgoing commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan, the organization has expanded its staff and exposure efforts, but these moves come with a projected $2 million loss. While some players see the deficit as concerning, others view it as an investment in the future of women’s golf. With a leadership transition on the horizon, many hope for enhanced marketing and stronger ties with the PGA Tour to capitalize on the rising interest in women’s sports.

Speaking of fan engagement, the WM Phoenix Open is doubling down on its unique 16th-hole tradition. The footrace to the iconic hole will remain in 2025, but organizers are cracking down on unruly behavior with a zero-tolerance policy. New entrances and digital ticketing aim to improve crowd management while preserving the high-energy atmosphere players and fans love.

As golf legends write their final chapters, Bernhard Langer is preparing for an emotional farewell at the 2025 Masters. The 66-year-old, a two-time Masters champion, reflects fondly on Augusta National, where he’s competed for over four decades. Although injury sidelined him in 2024, he plans to return in 2025 to soak in the course’s magic one last time.

In the Middle East, Dustin Johnson’s new role as Golf Saudi ambassador is turning heads. Johnson, a two-time winner of the PIF Saudi International, will mentor the Saudi National Team and help grow the sport locally. With record participation from Saudi professionals in this year’s tournament, the groundwork for a future Saudi champion is being laid.

Meanwhile, on the PGA Tour, Cameron Young stole the show at the 2024 Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas. With an incredible bogey-free 8-under 64, Young leads a star-studded field, including Justin Thomas and Scottie Scheffler, who are close behind. Over in South Africa, Max Homa picked up where he left off at the Nedbank Golf Challenge, opening with a strong 66 to defend his title. And in Saudi Arabia, LIV Golf stars like Joaquin Niemann and Peter Uihlein are making waves at the PIF Saudi International, alongside emerging talent from the Asian Tour.

Off the course, inclusivity remains a hot topic. Hailey Davidson, a transgender golfer, expressed heartbreak after the LPGA implemented a policy requiring participants to be female at birth or transition before male puberty. This decision, which followed her qualification for the Epson Tour, has reignited debates about fairness and inclusion in professional golf.

On a lighter note, Justin Thomas offered a glimpse into Tiger Woods’ “softer” side. Fatherhood has brought out a new dimension in the golf icon, inspiring Thomas to find balance between his career and family life. Elsewhere, Ernie Els is turning heads with plans to transform a former DP World Tour venue in Portugal into Europe’s first exclusive Els Club, promising a high-end experience for golf enthusiasts.

With major tournaments underway, big names making career moves, and deeper discussions about the sport’s future, it’s a great time to be a golf fan. Whether you’re chasing scores or reflecting on the personal journeys of your favorite players, there’s no shortage of stories to follow. Stay tuned as the season continues to unfold!

[ Today’s Top Golf News ] 

LPGA to lose $2 million in 2024 after adding staff, attempting to increase exposure

The LPGA is projected to lose $2 million in 2024 despite efforts to increase staff and exposure under commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan, who is stepping down. While some players express concern over the financial loss, others believe investment is necessary for future growth. The tour's leadership transition highlights the need for improved marketing and communication to bridge the gap with the PGA Tour and capitalize on the growing interest in women's sports.

Fans can still sprint to seats at 16th hole at WM Phoenix Open but expect a true 'zero tolerance' policy in 2025 for unruly behavior

The 2025 WM Phoenix Open will maintain its iconic footrace to the 16th hole while implementing a zero-tolerance policy for unruly behavior, following issues from the previous year. Organizers are introducing a new entrance near the 18th tee and a digital ticketing system to improve crowd management. Despite past challenges, players continue to express their love for the event, emphasizing the need to preserve its unique character while making necessary improvements.

'I’ll Be Teary-Eyed Coming Up The 18th' - Bernhard Langer Expects Emotional Farewell At 2025 Masters

Bernhard Langer, a legendary golfer with over 120 titles, anticipates an emotional farewell at the 2025 Masters, marking his last appearance as a competitor. Despite an Achilles injury that caused him to miss the 2024 event, he plans to return in April 2025 with family and friends present. Langer reflects on the challenges of the course's increasing length and expresses a deep personal connection to Augusta National, where he has competed for 41 years and won twice.

Dustin Johnson announced as new Golf Saudi Ambassador | LIV Golf

Dustin Johnson has been announced as the new ambassador for Golf Saudi, where he will provide year-round coaching for the Saudi National Team and promote golf in the country. Johnson, a two-time champion of the PIF Saudi International, expressed pride in his role and commitment to growing the sport in Saudi Arabia. Golf Saudi's CEO highlighted the importance of Johnson's expertise in developing local talent and fostering a future Saudi champion. The ongoing PIF Saudi International tournament features a record number of Saudi professionals competing.

[ Today’s Feature Golf Reads ] 

Major Golf Tournaments happening this week

Nick Dunlap at 2024 Hero World Challenge: 'To be in the Bahamas when I should be a junior in college is unbelievable'

Hero World Challenge - PGA Tour - Albany GC - New Providence, Bahamas

The first round of the 2024 Hero World Challenge at Albany Golf Club in the Bahamas saw Cameron Young take the early lead with an impressive performance. Young, who hadn’t played competitively for 102 days, showed no signs of rust as he carded a bogey-free 8-under 64. His round included hitting 12 of 13 fairways and making 96 feet of putts, resulting in eight birdies.

Justin Thomas, fresh off becoming a father, is in solo second place after shooting a 6-under 66. Thomas had a particularly strong back nine, recording six birdies in eight holes. His birdie putt on the 18th hole narrowly missed, which would have given him five straight birdies to finish.

World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler is tied for third after shooting a 5-under 67. Notably, Scheffler was seen using a claw putting grip for short to mid-range putts, a change from his usual technique. Despite this experimentation, he managed six birdies and finished 10th out of 20 in Strokes Gained: Putting.

Patrick Cantlay, making his first appearance since the Presidents Cup in September, also shot a 5-under 67 to join the tie for third place. When asked about the ongoing debate regarding player compensation for the Ryder Cup, Cantlay maintained that his focus is solely on representing his country and winning points for his teammates.

The tournament, hosted by Tiger Woods (who is not playing this week), features 20 of the world’s best golfers competing at the Albany Golf Club. As the first round concludes, the stage is set for an exciting competition in the coming days, with Young looking to secure his first PGA Tour victory and others in close pursuit.

Hero World Challenge Stories

Hero World Challenge Videos

2024 Nedbank Golf Challenge: Max Homa seizes lead in DP World Tour title defense as 2024 season wraps up

Nedbank Golf Challenge - DP World Tour - Gary Player CC - Sun City, South Africa

The first round of the Nedbank Golf Challenge at Gary Player Country Club in Sun City, South Africa saw defending champion Max Homa take an early lead. Homa, who won the tournament in impressive fashion last year, continued his strong performance at the course with a stellar opening round.

Homa started brilliantly with three consecutive birdies and maintained his momentum throughout the front nine. Despite facing some challenges on the back nine, including two bogeys, he finished strong with back-to-back birdies on the 17th and 18th holes. His final score for the round was a 6-under-par 66, putting him at the top of the leaderboard.

Close behind Homa is South African hopeful Ockie Strydom, who sits alone in second place at 5-under-par after carding an impressive 67. Strydom’s round included an eagle, four birdies, and just one bogey.

Tied for third place, two shots behind Strydom, are Pablo Larrazábal, Andy Sullivan, Matthew Jordan, and Thorbjørn Olesen. This group of players finds themselves well-positioned but with ground to make up on the leaders.

Homa’s performance was particularly noteworthy given the challenging wind conditions that players faced during the round. The wind direction changed dramatically around the 7th hole, forcing players to adjust their strategies. Despite this, Homa managed to navigate the course effectively, showcasing his ability to adapt to changing conditions.

The defending champion expressed satisfaction with his play, noting that he had been working on new aspects of his game and was pleased to see positive results so quickly. His comfort with the golf swing and ability to play within himself were key factors in his successful opening round.

As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Homa to see if he can maintain his lead and defend his title, while the chasing pack, led by Strydom, will be looking to close the gap in the coming rounds.

Nedbank Golf Challenge Stories

Nedbank Golf Challenge Videos

Smith, Niemann, Uihlein lead PIF Saudi International

PIF Saudi International

The first round of the PIF Saudi International golf tournament concluded today with an exciting leaderboard featuring several LIV Golf players in prominent positions. Chang Wei-lun from Chinese-Taipei and Sadom Kaewkanjana from Thailand share the lead after both shooting impressive 7-under 64s. Their bogey-free rounds put them one stroke ahead of a group of players at 6-under, including LIV Golf’s Joaquin Niemann.

Niemann, who recently finished T5 at the Australian Open, showed no signs of fatigue from his long journey and expressed satisfaction with his strong start. Several other LIV Golf players are in contention, tied for fifth place at 5-under 66. This group includes notable names such as Talor Gooch, Peter Uihlein, Kevin Na, Eugenio Chacarra, Matthew Wolff, Jason Kokrak, and Jinichiro Kozuma.

The tournament, which serves as the season-ending event for both the Asian Tour and The International Series, has attracted a strong field with 42 LIV Golf League players participating. Peter Uihlein’s solid start is particularly significant as he currently leads The International Series Rankings.

Local talent is also making its mark, with Saudi golfers Khalid Attieh and Saud Al Sharif posting respectable scores of 67 and 68, respectively. Defending champion Abraham Ancer opened with a 68, while John Catlin, who recently secured the Asian Tour Order of Merit title, also carded a 68.

The tournament carries added importance as the winner will earn 1,000 points in The International Series Rankings, potentially securing a spot in next year’s LIV Golf League. With three rounds remaining, the stage is set for an exciting competition featuring a mix of established LIV Golf stars and emerging Asian Tour talent.

PIF Saudi Stories

PIF Saudi Videos

Ryder Cup (Sept 25-28, 2025)

These 8 documentary quotes explain Europe’s Ryder Cup victory 

Before the 2025 Ryder Cup arrives, a telling documentary explains how the 2023 Cup played out behind the scenes.

'It's All Speculation At This Point' - Keegan Bradley Provides Ryder Cup Pay Update

As the Ryder Cup approaches, discussions about player compensation have emerged, with reports suggesting each Team USA player may receive $400,000. Captain Keegan Bradley emphasized that these claims are speculative and not finalized. Players like Patrick Reed oppose payment, while Scottie Scheffler is open to it. Tiger Woods supports financial compensation for charitable purposes. Bradley noted that no players have requested payment, highlighting the PGA of America's authority in the matter.

Scheffler Has No Problem With Ryder Cup Players Being Paid

Scottie Scheffler expressed that while Team USA is willing to play in the Ryder Cup for free, he has no issue with being paid to participate. Reports suggest the PGA of America may pay players $400,000 each for the event. Scheffler emphasized that money is not his motivation in golf, stating that he plays for the love of the game and competition, and any payment received could be donated to charity. He believes that the players' willingness to play for free should not be overshadowed by discussions about payment.

Today’s Best Golf Videos

What’s in the Bag (WITB)

Logan Olson Craft Batch No. 3 blade putters: 4 things to know

Logan Olson's Craft Batch No. 3 blade putters, launched under TaylorMade, feature a new "Flumber's" neck design that combines benefits of plumber's and flow necks, enhancing feel and acoustics. The putters include a milled face with horizontal grooves for improved ball roll, a sole channel for optimal center of gravity, and are priced at $850. They are available in various specifications and grip options.

Bridgestone 220 MB, 221 CB, 222 CB+ irons

Bridgestone is reentering the iron market with the launch of the 220 MB, 221 CB, and 222 CB+ irons, designed for different skill levels. The 220 MB is a muscleback iron for elite players focusing on control, while the 221 CB offers a cavity-back design for low handicap golfers seeking feel and control. The 222 CB+ is the most forgiving option, featuring a dual pocket-cavity design for increased launch angles. Prices range from $900 to $1,050, with availability starting December 2024.

Overheard in the Club House

The 'new side' of Tiger Woods? Justin Thomas has witnessed it up close

Justin Thomas shares insights on his friendship with Tiger Woods, highlighting a "new side" of Woods revealed through their shared experience of fatherhood. Thomas appreciates Woods' support during the birth of his daughter, Molly, noting Woods' emphasis on valuing family time while balancing a competitive golf career. Thomas views Woods as a role model in navigating parenthood alongside professional commitments.

Proposed Florida state law would prohibit golf courses in state parks

A proposed Florida state law, the State Parks Preservation Act (SB 80), aims to prohibit golf courses in state parks and prioritize conservation-based recreational activities. Filed by State Sen. Gayle Harrell, the bill follows public backlash against the previous "Great Outdoors Initiative" that sought to introduce golf courses and other developments in state parks. The new legislation would require the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to create 10-year management plans for each park, focusing on activities like fishing, camping, and hiking, while ensuring public involvement in any changes to these plans.

Ernie Els To Transform Former DP World Tour Venue Into Country's First Exclusive Club

Ernie Els is set to transform the Els Club Vilamoura, formerly known as Dom Pedro Victoria, into Europe's first exclusive Els Club, projected to open in Summer 2025. The course, which has hosted several Portugal Masters, will undergo significant upgrades under Els's design, aiming to create an exceptional golfing experience in the Algarve, a renowned destination for golfers.

Where to leave bunker rakes? This course designer has the definitive answer

Forrest Richardson, a golf course architect, explores the optimal placement of bunker rakes through a comprehensive survey. He identifies three main options: inside the bunker, outside the bunker, and a "propped" position. The survey reveals that while inside and outside placements both received a C+ overall grade, the propped position earned a B+ for its balance of aesthetics, maintenance, and minimal interference with play. Richardson suggests that eliminating rakes altogether might be the best solution for improving the game.

'The Greatest Achievement I’ve Earned In My Life Taken From Me” - Transgender Golfer Hailey Davidson Responds To LPGA Ban

Transgender golfer Hailey Davidson expressed her disappointment after being banned from the LPGA due to updated gender policies that require athletes to be female at birth or transition before male puberty. Despite qualifying for the Epson Tour, Davidson's achievement was overshadowed by the policy change, which she criticized for not considering her performance on the course. She also highlighted that she was not consulted in the studies leading to her ban, emphasizing her status as the only active transgender golfer affected by these new rules.

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UPCOMING TOURS

PGA TOUR Schedule 2025

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LIV Golf Schedule 2025

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LPGA Tour Schedule 2025

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