Planet Golf News for Friday, November 22, 2024

Ludvig Åberg struggles at RSM Classic in first round since surgery | A year after $1 million prize, Angel Yin eyes more 'freedom' with $4 million check | Play abandoned in wet weather chaos as flooding turns Aus PGA into 54-hole shootout

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PGN News Team
November 22, 2024

Friday, November 22, 2024

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[ THE LEADERBOARD ]

Today’s Top Golf News in Three Minutes

Good Morning,

Golf fans were treated to a whirlwind of action, drama, and unexpected moments across the globe this week. From sunny Naples to rain-soaked Brisbane, the excitement of the sport remains as unpredictable as ever.

At the CME Group Tour Championship in Florida, Narin An came out swinging with a flawless first round, carding an impressive eight-under 64. Her precision and confidence shone, making her the early leader in the LPGA’s season finale. Right on her heels is Angel Yin, whose seven-under 65 is keeping the pressure high. Defending champion Nelly Korda struggled with an even-par 72, while the $4 million prize—the largest in women’s golf—remains a tantalizing goal for the field. Meanwhile, off the course, the LPGA’s coverage woes were brought into focus as CME Group’s CEO called out the tape-delay broadcast, underscoring the need for better visibility in women’s sports.

In Georgia, the PGA TOUR’s RSM Classic kicked off with a spectacular opening round from Maverick McNealy. He fired a bogey-free 62 on the challenging Seaside Course, sharing the lead with rookie Michael Thorbjornsen, who matched him with an equally remarkable performance. The stakes are high for players vying to secure PGA TOUR cards and spots in next year’s signature events, adding layers of intensity to every stroke. Defending champion Ludvig Åberg, fresh from knee surgery, struggled in his return with a 3-over 73, casting doubt on his hopes of repeating last year’s success.

Down under, the Australian PGA Championship faced weather chaos. Torrential rains turned the Royal Queensland course into a swamp, forcing officials to reduce the tournament to 54 holes. Amid the turmoil, Elvis Smylie took the first-round lead with a gutsy 6-under performance, including a jaw-dropping bunker shot for birdie on the ninth. As players and organizers scramble to adjust to the conditions, the championship has turned into a battle of resilience and adaptability.

Beyond the tournaments, the week offered a variety of storylines showcasing golf’s ever-evolving landscape. Lydia Ko aims to cap off a stellar year at the CME Group Tour Championship, while Ludvig Åberg’s switch to a new driver highlights the meticulous equipment decisions players face. Meanwhile, Hunter Mahan officially stepped away from professional golf, embracing a new role as a high school coach and prioritizing family life over the grind of the tour. And Justin Thomas celebrated a personal milestone, welcoming his first child, Molly Grace Thomas.

Even as the year winds down, golf fans have plenty to look forward to. From new drivers and rising stars to lingering debates about slow play and eligibility rules, the game remains as thrilling and dynamic as ever. Stay tuned—this sport never fails to deliver.

[ Today’s Top Golf News ] 

Narin An Takes First-Round Lead at CME Group Tour Championship

Narin An leads the first round of the CME Group Tour Championship with an impressive eight-under 64, marking her second career first-round lead. She made eight birdies and had no bogeys, while LPGA veteran Angel Yin follows closely in second with a 7-under round. Marina Alex and Allisen Corpuz are tied for third at 6-under. The tournament features a $4 million prize, attracting top players, including defending champion Amy Yang and leader Nelly Korda, who shot an even-par 72.

Maverick McNealy fires 62, tied for lead at RSM Classic

Maverick McNealy and Michael Thorbjornsen are tied for the lead after the first round of The RSM Classic, with McNealy shooting an 8-under-par 62 and Thorbjornsen an 8-under 64. Andrew Novak follows one shot behind at 7-under. PGA Tour rookie Adrien Dumont de Chassart recorded a career-low 64, aiming to improve his FedEx Cup standings. Defending champion Ludvig Aberg struggled with a 3-over 73 and risks missing the cut.

Play abandoned at Australian PGA

The Australian PGA Championship has been shortened to a 54-hole event due to flooding at the Royal Queensland course, which received 180mm of rain. Play was abandoned on Friday, with the second round now scheduled to start on Saturday. After the first round, Elvis Smylie leads the tournament at six-under, followed closely by four players at five-under.

'That's (BS), isn't it?': CEO of CME blasts tape-delay coverage of Saturday's third round

CME Group CEO Terry Duffy criticized the tape-delay coverage of the LPGA's season-ending tournament, calling it inappropriate for such a significant event. Despite the LPGA's growth and record prize money, players like Nelly Korda and Lexi Thompson emphasized the need for improved TV coverage and more exposure for women's sports. The LPGA commissioner acknowledged progress but agreed there is still room for improvement in capturing the momentum of women's sports.

[ Today’s Feature Golf Reads ] 

Major Golf Tournaments happening this week

Maverick McNealy, Michael Thorbjornsen flawless at 2024 RSM Classic; two others move into top 60 in projected standings

The RSM Classic - PGA Tour - Sea Island - Saint Simons Island, GA

The 2024 RSM Classic, the final event of the PGA TOUR Season, is underway at Sea Island Golf Club in St. Simons Island, Georgia. After the first round, Maverick McNealy and Michael Thorbjornsen share the lead at 8-under par.

McNealy carded an impressive 8-under 62 on the more challenging Seaside Course, playing bogey-free with six birdies and an eagle. He attributed his success to strong driving, improved iron play, and excellent putting. Currently inside the Aon Next 10, McNealy is aiming for a win to secure a spot in The Sentry tournament in Kapalua.

Thorbjornsen, a PGA Tour rookie and recent college graduate, matched McNealy’s score with an 8-under 64 on the Plantation Course. This strong start puts him in contention for his first PGA Tour victory in just his 11th start as a professional.

Andrew Novak sits one shot behind the leaders after posting a 7-under 65 on the Plantation Course. Novak, coming off a runner-up finish in Bermuda, felt comfortable in the windy conditions at Sea Island.

Defending champion Ludvig Åberg, returning from knee surgery, had a solid start with a 1-under par score through his first hole. As the world No. 5 and bookmakers’ favorite, Åberg is looking to become the first back-to-back winner in RSM Classic history.

The tournament holds significant implications for players vying to secure their PGA TOUR cards for the 2025 season. The top 125 in the FedExCup standings will earn full status, with players like Wesley Bryan, Joel Dahmen, and Zac Blair on the bubble and needing strong performances this week.

Additionally, players finishing between 51st and 60th in the FedExCup Fall standings will earn spots in the upcoming signature events at Pebble Beach and Riviera, adding extra motivation for many in the field.

As the PGA TOUR’s final event of 2024, The RSM Classic promises an exciting conclusion to the season with players competing for victory, tour status, and positioning for next year’s prestigious tournaments.

The RSM Classic Stories

With Davis Love III's granddaughter's approval, RSM Classic merch tent has toasty offerings

Davis Love III's granddaughter, Eloise, shared her experience of selling a popular hat from the RSM Classic merchandise tent, highlighting the tent's offerings, including knit hats and baseball caps celebrating the tournament's 15th year. Eloise expressed enjoyment in working at the tent, which has seen good sales during the event.

The RSM Classic Videos

Narin An grabs lead at CME Group Tour Championship

CME Group Tour Championship - Tiburon Golf Club - Naples, FL

The CME Group Tour Championship at Tiburon Golf Club in Naples, Florida kicked off today with some surprising developments. South Korean golfer Narin An took the first-round lead, showcasing exceptional skill in challenging windy conditions. An’s impressive performance included a streak of four consecutive birdies around the turn, helping her card a remarkable 64.

Meanwhile, American Angel Yin also found herself near the top of the leaderboard early in the tournament, demonstrating strong play on the course. However, not all players fared as well in the difficult weather. Notably, Nelly Korda, one of the tournament favorites, struggled to find her rhythm in the opening round.

The wind played a significant role in shaping the day’s play, testing the golfers’ abilities to adapt and maintain control of their shots. Despite the challenging conditions, An’s hot putter proved to be a key factor in her success, allowing her to navigate the course effectively and establish an early advantage in this prestigious LPGA finale.

As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on whether An can maintain her lead, if Yin can capitalize on her strong start, and if other top contenders like Korda can bounce back in the coming rounds. The CME Group Tour Championship promises to deliver exciting golf action as the LPGA season comes to a close at the picturesque Tiburon Golf Club.

CME Group Tour Stories

LPGA major champion Sophia Popov makes debut as on-course reporter at CME

Sophia Popov, the 2020 AIG Women’s British Open champion, made her debut as an on-course commentator for ESPN at the CME Group Tour Championship in Naples, Florida. At 32, she expressed her desire to transition into broadcasting while still considering her playing career. Popov, who returned to the tour after giving birth in June 2023, aims to balance both roles in the future.

CME Group Tour Videos

BMW Australian PGA Championship - Royal Queensland GC, Brisbane, Australia

Smylie upstages stars to lead BMW Australian PGA

The BMW Australian PGA Championship at Royal Queensland Golf Club in Brisbane, Australia has faced significant disruptions due to severe weather conditions. Heavy rainfall, with approximately 7 inches falling since last Saturday, has led to flooding on the course, forcing organizers to abandon play for the second round on Friday.

As a result of the weather-related challenges, tournament officials have made the decision to reduce the championship to a 54-hole event. This means the tournament will now be a three-round shootout instead of the originally planned four rounds.

The first round of the tournament was completed on Thursday, with Elvis Smylie, son of former tennis player Liz Smylie, taking the solo lead at 6-under par. Smylie’s impressive performance included a miraculous birdie on his final hole, the par-5 ninth, where he holed out from a bunker after encountering difficulties earlier in the hole.

Close behind Smylie are a trio of European players: Cristobel Del Solar, Victor Perez, and Joel Girrbach, all at 5-under par. Notable Australian players Cameron Smith and Jason Day are also in contention, both carding 4-under par in the opening round.

The delay and subsequent cancellation of Friday’s play have disrupted the schedule for many players, including the high-profile group of Smith, Day, and Min Woo Lee, who were originally set to tee off in the afternoon.

Tournament organizers are now faced with the challenge of rescheduling the remaining rounds to complete the shortened 54-hole championship. The situation remains fluid, with officials closely monitoring weather conditions and course playability to determine when play can resume.

This unexpected turn of events has added an element of unpredictability to the tournament, potentially impacting players’ strategies and the overall outcome of the championship. As the event unfolds, players and fans alike will be eagerly awaiting updates on when the action can resume at Royal Queensland Golf Club.

BMW Australian PGA Championship Stories

BMW Australian PGA Championship Videos

The Ryder Cup (Sept 22-28, 2025)

Tommy Fleetwood backs 'obvious' Ryder Cup captaincy duo after Molinari

Tommy Fleetwood endorses Justin Rose and Francesco Molinari as future Ryder Cup captains, reflecting on their successful teamwork during Europe's victory over the USA in Rome. Despite his disappointment as captain of team GBandI in the Team Cup, Fleetwood emphasizes the importance of team events for building camaraderie and leadership within Team Europe. He expresses optimism for the upcoming Team Cup in January 2025, highlighting the potential for future leadership roles stemming from these events.

'The marketing of the Ryder Cup has gone too far': This 2004 headline continues to prove prophetic 20 years later

A prescient 2004 Golf Digest article by David Owen warned about the excessive commercialization of the Ryder Cup, and those concerns have only intensified with time. The tournament, which was once celebrated for its pure sporting spirit, has evolved into an overpriced, corporate-dominated spectacle, with 2025 tickets at Bethpage Black costing $750 for basic grounds passes. The transformation began as early as 1999, when fans reported disappointing experiences with overcrowding and overpriced amenities. The event has expanded from a three-day competition into a six-day corporate extravaganza, complete with exclusive hospitality packages, amateur tournaments, and extensive merchandising opportunities. Despite calls to return to its roots as a celebration of golf rather than commerce, the commercialization continues unabated, with the PGA of America maintaining its stance on high ticket prices.

Today’s Best Golf Videos

What’s in the Bag (WITB)

Cleveland Golf Launcher HiBore XL Drivers: 6 things to know

Cleveland Golf has reintroduced the HiBore name with its Launcher HiBore XL drivers, utilizing AI to enhance design for improved forgiveness and performance. Key features include a triangular chassis for a larger sweet spot, ActivWing technology for better stability during swings, counterbalancing for control, and an ultralight version for players needing extra distance. The drivers offer adjustability with a 1.5-degree loft sleeve and a 12-gram adjustable weight. Both models are available for pre-order, launching on December 6, 2024.

Lydia Ko WITB November 2024: LPGA Tour Star’s Golfing Essentials Explored

Lydia Ko, currently ranked world no. 4, aims to secure her fourth title of the year at the CME Group Tour Championship. With 30 career titles, including three this year, she utilizes a Ping G430 LST driver for accuracy, along with Ping G430 fairway woods, hybrids, and a combination of Ping i230 and Blueprint irons for control. For her short game, she prefers Titleist Vokey Design wedges and a Scotty Cameron TG6 putter, using Titleist Pro V1x balls for optimal performance. Her impressive stats include an average drive distance of 254.93 yards and a putting average of 29.18 per round.

Ludvig Aberg adds new Titleist driver at 2024 RSM Classic

Ludvig Aberg, a 25-year-old golfer from Sweden, switched from the Titleist TSR2 driver to a new Titleist GT2 driver at the 2024 RSM Classic, despite ranking well in driving statistics. The GT2 features 9 degrees of loft with an adjustable hosel set to increase loft slightly. Aberg is returning to competition after knee surgery and showed strong performance, averaging 311 yards per drive during the event.

Overheard in the Club House

'Our little girl is here!' Justin Thomas and wife, Jillian, welcome their first child, Molly

PGA Tour star Justin Thomas and his wife, Jillian, welcomed their first child, Molly Grace Thomas, on November 18, 2024. Justin shared the news on social media, expressing their love and gratitude for the medical staff who assisted during the birth. Both mother and baby are reported to be healthy.

'I'm Not Willing To Pay That Price' - Six-Time PGA Tour Winner Rules Out Return

Hunter Mahan, a six-time PGA Tour winner, has retired from professional golf to become a high school coach, prioritizing family life over the demands of touring. He expresses no desire to return to professional golf, acknowledging the hard work required and the challenges of balancing a career with family responsibilities. Mahan enjoys his new role in coaching, helping young golfers improve and fostering a positive culture in the sport.

Slow play? Bathrooms? One of the LPGA’s brightest personalities is a great listen

Angel Yin discusses various topics, including the financial implications of winning the LPGA Tour Championship, the importance of promoting women's sports, and the need for better scheduling to address slow play on the tour. She emphasizes the significance of investing in players and expresses her opinion that the LPGA has not fully capitalized on the rising popularity of women's sports.

8 things we learned from PGA Tour's Gary Young on the approved changes to the pace-of-play policy

The PGA Tour has approved changes to its pace-of-play policy, including reducing fines for slow play and introducing new penalties for excessive average stroke times. Players will no longer face fines for timing infractions during majors, and officials can now time individual players rather than entire groups. The changes aim to encourage faster play by identifying and penalizing the slowest players, with a focus on education and improvement rather than harsh penalties. A potential player-led committee to address slow play may be established in the future.

It's getting harder to stay on the PGA Tour. Here's why

The PGA Tour is implementing significant changes to its eligibility rules, reducing the number of full tour cards from 125 to 100 starting in 2026. This aims to address the issue of bloated membership and ensure fair access to tournaments for top players. The new priority list will favor major winners and top performers, while also limiting the number of players in tournaments to enhance competition and pace of play. However, the changes may disadvantage some players who struggle to maintain their status, and the number of spots from Monday qualifiers will also be reduced.

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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