Planet Golf News for Friday, November 15, 2024

Opening round 72 sees Power seven off the Bermuda lead | Jeon, Hull Share One-Shot Lead After Round One at The ANNIKA driven by Gainbridge at Pelican after Suspension of Play | McIlroy tied for lead at World Tour Championship and strengthens Race to Dubai title bid

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PGN News Team
November 15, 2024

Friday, November 15, 2024

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[ THE LEADERBOARD ]

Today’s Top Golf News in Three Minutes

Good Morning,

This week in golf is packed with action and drama across multiple tours, with everything from star performances and title chases to heated debates about player compensation. Here’s a look at the top stories shaping the golf world right now.

In Florida, Charley Hull came out firing at the ANNIKA Championship, leading the pack with a strong 64 in the first round. Hull, who’s fresh off a win at the Aramco Team Series, is tied with South Korea’s Jiwon Jeon, who electrified the crowd with her third hole-in-one of the season. Meanwhile, Nelly Korda is back in the field after a two-month hiatus due to injury, sparking excitement among fans eager to see the world’s top-ranked player back in action. With Korda currently leading the Race to CME Globe and aiming to hold onto her top form, the tournament has already set the stage for a compelling finish.

Across the Atlantic, Rory McIlroy and Tyrrell Hatton are tied at the top of the leaderboard after the first round of the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai. McIlroy is eyeing his sixth Race to Dubai title, a feat that would tie him with the legendary Seve Ballesteros. All he needs is a top-10 finish to clinch it, but McIlroy seems more focused on outright victory. Chasing him is Thriston Lawrence, who must win and hope McIlroy places outside the top ten to overtake him. Dubai is also showcasing former world number one Adam Scott and recent Abu Dhabi champ Paul Waring, both of whom are making early moves up the leaderboard.

On the PGA Tour, the Butterfield Bermuda Championship kicked off with Justin Lower and Hayden Springer tied at the top. Both players carded 6-under 65s amid windy conditions, with Springer even landing an eagle on the par-5 seventh. With only a couple of events left in the season, players hovering around the FedEx Cup cutoff are battling to secure their spots for 2025, making every round crucial. However, the unpredictable Bermuda weather, with strong winds and rain in the forecast, could be a deciding factor as the weekend unfolds.

Meanwhile, the debate over player compensation for the Ryder Cup is heating up again. Reports that U.S. players could be receiving $400,000 each for the 2025 event have stirred discussions on both sides of the Atlantic. While Team USA leans into financial incentives, European stalwarts like Rory McIlroy have expressed pride in playing for the honor and wouldn’t want any payment. McIlroy even joked he’d “pay for the privilege,” a sentiment echoed by Sir Nick Faldo, who argued that money could compromise the event’s spirit. The discussion has fueled a wave of nostalgia for the traditional, honor-driven Ryder Cup ethos.

In other news, Julia Lopez Ramirez, a top-ranked amateur, is turning professional and joining the LPGA’s Q-Series next month. The recent Mississippi State player has made waves in collegiate golf, and her move to the pro ranks is highly anticipated. Additionally, Kyle Berkshire, the long-drive champion, wowed fans by showcasing remarkable yardages at high altitude, smashing over 300 yards with a 4-iron and hitting a pitching wedge an unbelievable 197 yards.

As the weekend approaches, golf fans can expect more drama, from McIlroy’s pursuit of Dubai glory to Korda’s return to top form in Florida. With weather challenges, heated debates, and record-breaking performances, it’s shaping up to be a week that captures everything golf fans love about the game.

[ Today’s Top Golf News ] 

LPGA: Charley Hull leads at ANNIKA Championship as world No 1 Nelly Korda returns to action

Charley Hull leads the ANNIKA Championship at Pelican Golf Club with an impressive opening round of 64, while world No. 1 Nelly Korda returns after a two-month injury layoff. Hull aims to build on her recent victory at the Aramco Team Series, and shares the lead with South Korean Jiwon Jeon. Mi Hyang Lee and Gemma Dryburgh are close behind, as Korda competes to regain her form.

McIlroy tied for lead at World Tour Championship and strengthens Race to Dubai title bid

Rory McIlroy shot a 5-under 67, tying for the lead with Tyrrell Hatton after the first round of the World Tour Championship in Dubai. A top-10 finish will secure McIlroy's sixth Race to Dubai title, while Thriston Lawrence, in second place, must win and hope McIlroy finishes tied for 11th or lower. McIlroy expressed his intent to win the tournament, focusing on his performance rather than his competitors.

Report: U.S. players to get paid to compete at Ryder Cup

U.S. players competing in the 2025 Ryder Cup will reportedly receive approximately $400,000 each, differing from the Presidents Cup's $250,000 stipend. Unlike the European team, who will not be paid and play for passion, this decision has sparked debate among players and fans. The Ryder Cup's history of discussions around player compensation dates back to 1999, with notable players advocating for payment. The event is set for September 23-28, 2025, at Bethpage Black, with the U.S. team captained by Keegan Bradley.

[ Today’s Feature Golf Reads ] 

Major Golf Tournaments happening this week

Opening round 72 sees Power seven off the Bermuda lead

Butterfield Bermuda Championship - PGA Tour - Port Royal Golf Course - Southampton Parish, Bermuda

The 2024 Butterfield Bermuda Championship kicked off on Thursday, November 14, at Port Royal Golf Course in Southampton Parish, Bermuda. The first round of the PGA Tour event saw a mix of challenging conditions and impressive performances.

Justin Lower and Hayden Springer emerged as the early leaders, both carding impressive 6-under 65s to share the top spot on the leaderboard. Lower, who has a history of strong performances in Bermuda, delivered a bogey-free round despite facing chilly conditions and variable winds early in the day. Springer, currently sitting at No. 125 in the FedEx Cup standings, matched Lower’s score and included an eagle on the par-5 seventh hole in his round.

The tournament, which offers a $6.9 million purse with $1.242 million going to the winner, holds significant importance for players near the 125th spot in the FedEx Cup rankings. With only two events remaining in the season, many golfers are fighting to secure their PGA Tour cards for the 2025 season.

Weather conditions are expected to worsen today and Saturday, with forecasts calling for strong winds and rain. This could lead to unpredictable scoring and add an extra layer of challenge for the players.

The first round was suspended at 5:19 p.m. local time due to darkness, with 21 golfers unable to complete their rounds. Play is scheduled to resume at 7 a.m. this morning.

Notable performances include Joseph Bramlett, who shot a 5-under par to sit in tied third place. Bramlett entered the tournament at 146th in the FedEx Cup standings but is now projected to move up to 126th. Dylan Wu, who started the week as the first player out at 126th, opened with a 3-under par round and is now projected to move inside the crucial top 125.

As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on the players battling for Tour status, as well as those at the top of the leaderboard. With challenging weather conditions on the horizon, the Butterfield Bermuda Championship promises to deliver an exciting and unpredictable weekend of golf.

Butterfield Bermuda Championship Stories

Photos: The scary 235-yard, par-3 16th hole at the Butterfield Bermuda Championship

The 16th hole at Port Royal Golf Club, measuring 235 yards and a par 3, presents a significant challenge for golfers, with its cliffside left and bunkers guarding the green. Seamus Power, who won the Bermuda Championship in 2022, emphasized the importance of trust in aiming towards the ocean despite the wind. The hole's design and conditions require precise shots, making it a true test of nerves during the tournament.

Butterfield Bermuda Championship Videos

Nelly Korda off to strong start at The Annika, talks migraines, SI Swimsuit Issue

The ANNIKA driven by Gainbridge at Pelican - LPGA - Pelican Golf Club - Belleair, FL

The ANNIKA driven by Gainbridge at Pelican, the penultimate event of the LPGA Tour season, is currently underway at Pelican Golf Club in Belleair, Florida. The tournament, hosted by golf legend Annika Sorenstam, has attracted a strong field including many of the world’s top-ranked players.

After the first round, Charley Hull of England and Jiwon Jeon of South Korea are tied for the lead at 6-under par. Hull charged to the top of the leaderboard with an impressive opening round of 64. Jeon’s round was highlighted by a hole-in-one, her third ace of the 2024 LPGA Tour season, which propelled her to a matching 64.

Just one shot behind the leaders at 5-under par are Scotland’s Gemma Dryburgh and South Korea’s Mi Hyang Lee, who are tied for third place.

The tournament has garnered additional attention due to the participation of WNBA star Caitlin Clark in the Wednesday pro-am. Clark, the WNBA Rookie of the Year, played nine holes with world No. 1 Nelly Korda and another nine with tournament host Annika Sorenstam. Her presence drew large crowds and generated significant buzz for the event.

Nelly Korda, who has already clinched LPGA Player of the Year honors, is competing for the first time in nearly two months after recovering from a minor neck injury. She leads the Race to CME Globe and is looking to maintain her form heading into next week’s season-ending CME Group Tour Championship.

The tournament also marks a significant milestone for local favorite Brittany Lincicome. The two-time major winner and St. Petersburg native is playing in her final full-time LPGA Tour event after a 20-year career. Lincicome received a sponsor’s exemption for this hometown tournament.

With a purse of $3,250,000 and crucial points in the Race to CME Globe at stake, the competition is expected to intensify over the next three days. The tournament continues through Sunday, November 17, with Golf Channel providing television coverage.

The ANNIKA Stories

The ANNIKA Videos

Rory McIlroy, Tyrrell Hatton tied for lead at the DP World Tour Championship

DP World Tour Championship - DP World Tour - Jumeirah Golf Estates - Dubai, UAE

The DP World Tour Championship, the season-ending event of the DP World Tour, is currently underway at the Jumeirah Golf Estates Earth Course in Dubai, UAE. The tournament, which runs thru Sunday, features a field of the top 50 available players in the Race to Dubai rankings competing for a substantial $10 million prize purse.

After the opening round, Rory McIlroy and Tyrrell Hatton share the lead, both carding impressive five-under-par 67s. McIlroy, the current Race to Dubai leader, made an excellent start in his bid to secure the season-long title for the third consecutive year. The Northern Irishman mixed six birdies with a single bogey in his round, putting himself in a strong position to achieve the 11th place finish or better he needs to clinch the Race to Dubai.

Following closely behind the leaders is Paul Waring, fresh off his victory at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship last week. Waring sits one shot back at four-under-par. Billy Horschel and former world number one Adam Scott are also in contention, both two strokes off the lead alongside Alex Fitzpatrick.

The tournament carries significant implications for the Race to Dubai standings. McIlroy is the heavy favorite to finish at the top, with South Africa’s Thriston Lawrence being the only player with a mathematical chance of catching him. However, Lawrence struggled in the opening round, shooting a one-over-par 73 to fall six shots behind the leaders.

The DP World Tour Championship winner will receive a substantial $3 million prize, with the runner-up taking home $1.27 million. Additionally, bonus payments will be awarded to the top 10 players in the final Race to Dubai standings, with the overall winner receiving an extra $2 million.

As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on McIlroy to see if he can maintain his lead and secure both the tournament victory and his sixth Race to Dubai title, which would equal Seve Ballesteros’ record of Order of Merit wins. With no cut in this event, the entire field will compete for all four rounds, promising an exciting finish to the DP World Tour season.

DP World Tour Championship Stories

DP World Tour Championship Videos

The Ryder Cup (Sept 22-28, 2025)

Despite hefty price tag, tickets for the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black have sold out

Tickets for the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black have sold out, with prices reaching up to $749.51 for match days. The event will take place from September 26-28, 2025, featuring Team Europe led by Luke Donald and Team USA captained by Keegan Bradley. The high ticket prices sparked significant discussion among fans when announced.

While Team USA is worried about being paid to play in the Ryder Cup, Rory McIlroy says he'd 'pay for the privilege' to play in the event

Rory McIlroy expressed that he would pay to play in the Ryder Cup, emphasizing the event's purity and significance beyond monetary compensation. While Team USA players may receive around $400,000, McIlroy believes that the focus should remain on the competition's emotional and national pride aspects. He and his European teammates have discussed that any potential funds could be better allocated to support other events on the DP World Tour rather than being paid to players, as it could alter the event's dynamic.

'No Other Motivation Was Needed' - Nick Faldo Weighs In On Ryder Cup Debate

Sir Nick Faldo expressed his views on the debate surrounding Ryder Cup players being paid, emphasizing that for him, the motivation to compete was never financial but rather the pride of representing Europe alongside great players. The discussion was sparked by reports that Team USA players would receive increased payments for the 2025 Ryder Cup, contrasting with Europe's players who do not receive financial rewards. Faldo highlighted that his best memories from the Ryder Cup came from the camaraderie and mission of winning for the team, rather than any compensation.

Time for a Ryder Cup Qualifier

The Ryder Cup, a prestigious golf event, is facing a shift in player motivation from honor and competition to financial compensation. Originally intended to promote friendship and sportsmanship, the tournament's ethos is being challenged by players seeking payment for participation. The author advocates for a return to qualifiers, reminiscing about historical practices where players competed for spots on the team. This approach, it is argued, would ensure participants are driven by commitment to the event rather than monetary gain. The piece urges the PGA of America to prioritize the Ryder Cup's original spirit over financial incentives, suggesting that a qualifier-based selection would attract enthusiastic players true to the tournament's values.

Today’s Best Golf Videos

What’s in the Bag (WITB)

The PXG Desert Golf Club is made for rocks, cacti, gritty sand and more

The PXG Desert Golf Club is designed for golfers playing in rugged desert terrain, featuring a durable construction from 17-4 stainless steel and specifications similar to a pitching wedge. With a 44-degree loft and 36.5-inch length, it aids in making shots over obstacles like cacti and rocks. While not essential for every golfer, it serves as a practical alternative to older clubs for handling off-the-fairway trouble in desert regions.

Overheard in the Club House

Want to own John Daly's Claret Jug from the 1995 Open Championship? It's up for auction right now

John Daly's Claret Jug from his 1995 Open Championship victory is currently up for auction at Golden Age Auctions, with a starting bid of $500 and a current price of $152,463. The trophy comes with a signed letter of authenticity from Daly and is being sold by a consignor who purchased it in 2015. The jug is made of sterling silver and is a 50 percent scale of the original Claret Jug. As of Thursday morning, there have been 66 bids for the item.

DP World Tour Q-School: Who Made It And Who Missed Out?

The final round of the DP World Tour Qualifying School concluded with Edoardo Molinari securing the top spot at -29, followed closely by Niklas Lemke at -28 and David Bryant at -27. A total of 21 players earned their playing privileges for the next season, while eight players missed out by just one shot. Notable stories include the first Armenian to hold a DP World Tour card and the disappointment of Eddie Pepperell, who narrowly missed regaining his playing rights.

Lowry backing McKibbin to crack the top level

Shane Lowry supports Tom McKibbin's potential to reach the top level of golf, regardless of whether he secures a PGA Tour card at the DP World Tour Championship. McKibbin, currently 18th in the Race to Dubai, needs a high finish to earn one of the ten available cards. Lowry, impressed by McKibbin's performance during their round at the BMW PGA Championship, believes McKibbin is on a great trajectory and will achieve great things if he remains true to himself. Lowry is also focused on winning his first individual title in over two years.

PGA Tour Champions dives right into Q School, where some interesting names dot the tee sheets

The PGA Tour Champions has commenced its 2025 Q School, featuring notable golfers at three locations: Buckhorn Springs Golf & CC, Grand Bear Golf Club, and Soboba Springs Golf Club. Among the participants are former PGA Tour winners and athletes from other sports, including John Smoltz, as they compete for five available cards for the upcoming season. The final stage will take place in December at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona.

Nichols: At what feels like a tipping point for the LPGA, a closer look at the rocky tenure of commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan

Mollie Marcoux Samaan's tenure as LPGA Commissioner has seen significant financial growth, with record prize funds and total prize money. However, there are concerns about the LPGA's visibility and mainstream appeal, as it struggles to establish household names and maintain strong relationships with sponsors and players. Issues such as poor crisis management during events and a lack of transparency on key policies have raised questions about her leadership effectiveness, leading to a sense of uncertainty about the tour's future growth and direction.

Why major champs recommend that you murder your golf clubs every once in a while

Major golf champions suggest that occasionally "murdering" a golf club can serve as a necessary emotional release for players. While not advocating for reckless destruction, they acknowledge that expressing frustration through breaking clubs can be therapeutic. Notable golfers have shared their experiences of club destruction, emphasizing that such acts can help manage the intense emotions that come with the game. Ultimately, the article encourages players to find healthy outlets for their anger, even if it involves smashing a club from time to time.

Julia Lopez Ramirez, the third-ranked amateur in the world, is turning professional

Julia Lopez Ramirez, ranked third in the World Amateur Golf Ranking, is turning professional after leaving Mississippi State. She will compete in the Final Qualifying stage of the LPGA Q-Series next month. Lopez Ramirez is a two-time SEC individual champion and was on the Annika Award watch list. The deadline for amateurs to turn professional for this qualifying event is December 5, 2024.

Roger Yaffe, the longtime Women's Golf Coaches Association executive director, to retire in 2025

Roger Yaffe, the executive director of the Women's Golf Coaches Association since 1998, will retire at the end of 2025. A national search for his replacement will begin soon. Yaffe expressed gratitude for the support he received during his tenure, which saw the organization grow from 300 to over 750 collegiate women's golf coaches. WGCA President Kelley Hester praised Yaffe's contributions and leadership in women's college golf.

Long Drive Champion Reveals Staggering Yardages At Altitude

Long drive champion Kyle Berkshire showcases impressive yardages at an altitude of 5,000 feet, hitting a lob wedge over 135 yards and a pitching wedge an astounding 197 yards. He surpasses 200 yards with a 9-iron and reaches over 300 yards with a 4-iron. Berkshire's drive achieves a remarkable 363.2 yards of carry, demonstrating extraordinary club and ball speeds that exceed those of average PGA Tour professionals.

Latest Official World Golf Ranking

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Latest FedExCup Standings

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UPCOMING TOURS

PGA TOUR Schedule 2024

Click to see the entire PGA Tour Schedule for 2024 including the Previous winners and Purse.

LIV Golf Schedule 2024

Click to see the entire LIV Tour Schedule for 2024 including the Previous winners and Purse.

LPGA Tour Schedule 2024

Click to see the entire LPGA Tour Schedule for 2024 including the Previous winners and Purse.

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