Planet Golf News for Friday, November 29, 2024

Greg Norman to be replaced as LIV Golf CEO by business executive | Lucas Herbert on top at the Australian Open, Cameron Smith two strokes behind | Anthony Kim Targets Title Challenges After First Made Cut in 12 Years

Friday, November 29, 2024

PlanetGolfNews + Marie Birdie

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Today’s Top Golf News in Three Minutes

Good Morning,

The world of golf is buzzing with excitement as 2024 draws to a close, bringing a whirlwind of stories that blend high drama, remarkable achievements, and tantalizing previews of what’s to come. One of the most talked-about changes is happening within LIV Golf, as the Saudi-backed league is reportedly replacing its CEO, Greg Norman, with Scott O’Neil. Known for his leadership with the Philadelphia 76ers and New Jersey Devils, O’Neil is poised to steer LIV Golf into its fourth season. His arrival comes at a critical juncture as the league seeks a minority investment deal with the PGA Tour and aims to soften the friction that Norman’s leadership caused among PGA players. With a fresh international schedule for 2025 and the ongoing quest for a television deal, this shift signals LIV Golf’s intent to evolve strategically and potentially foster a new era of collaboration.

Meanwhile, innovation is taking center stage in the form of the Crypto.com Showdown. This December 17 event will pit PGA Tour stars Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler against LIV Golf’s Bryson DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka at Shadow Creek Golf Club in Las Vegas. What sets this match apart isn’t just the players—it’s the $10 million prize paid entirely in cryptocurrency. Sponsored by Crypto.com, the event marks a bold step into the digital era for golf, with players needing to register with the platform to claim their winnings. It’s a move that underscores how the sport continues to evolve, blending tradition with modern innovation.

As excitement builds for the Hero World Challenge, hosted by Tiger Woods in the Bahamas, the field is packed with some of golf’s biggest names. Though Tiger won’t be competing due to back surgery, world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler leads a stellar lineup that includes both seasoned players and promising newcomers like Akshay Bhatia and Cameron Young. This exclusive 20-player event is set to offer fans a glimpse of the talent ready to dominate in 2025.

Down in Australia, the ISPS HANDA Australian Open is delivering early thrills. Lucas Herbert surged to the top of the leaderboard with a flawless 8-under-par 63, showcasing remarkable composure and precision at Victoria Golf Club. Japanese amateur Rintaro Nakano sits just one stroke behind, while American rookies Ryggs Johnston and Jordan Gumberg have made their mark despite having no practice rounds at the challenging dual-course setup. From Min Woo Lee’s near-eagle to jaw-dropping putts and chip-ins, the tournament has been a celebration of skill and adaptability, promising even more drama as it progresses.

Elsewhere, the International Series Qatar has showcased the dominance of LIV Golf players, with Peter Uihlein holding a commanding lead at 12-under-par. Eight of the top 10 players on the leaderboard are from LIV Golf, highlighting the circuit’s growing strength. In a feel-good story, Anthony Kim, once a rising star, made his first tournament cut since 2012, signaling a heartfelt return to competitive golf.

The sport continues to provide inspirational narratives, including Angel Cabrera’s redemption arc. After serving 30 months in prison, Cabrera has returned to professional golf with renewed focus and a hunger to win. His comeback has been marked by solid performances on the PGA Tour Champions and the Legends Tour, reminding fans of his undeniable talent and resilience. Meanwhile, Maverick McNealy’s first PGA Tour victory at the RSM Classic tells another story of perseverance. Overcoming injuries and setbacks, McNealy celebrated a career milestone that underscores the unpredictable and rewarding nature of professional golf.

This year has also been one of historic achievements and emotional moments. Nelly Korda capped her remarkable season with seven wins, including a major title, and the coveted player-of-the-year award. Reflecting on both her triumphs and challenges, Korda’s gratitude for the highs and lows of the season speaks to her growth as an athlete and a person. Meanwhile, extraordinary performances abounded, including nine players breaking 60 in tournament rounds, a rare and electrifying feat that added to the year’s excitement.

As 2024 winds down, the golf world is already looking ahead to what’s next. From Jon Rahm’s anticipated debut at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic to the evolving dynamics between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf, the future is brimming with potential. With every swing, every match, and every moment of triumph, the sport continues to captivate, setting the stage for another unforgettable chapter.

[ Today’s Top Golf News ] 

[ Today’s Feature Golf Reads ] 

Major Golf Tournaments happening this week

Aussie Lucas Herbert shoots eight-under to lead Australian Open ahead of Japanese amateur

ISPS HANDA Australian Open - DP World Tour - Victoria GC - Melbourne, Australia

The opening day of the 2025 ISPS HANDA Australian Open at Victoria Golf Club and Kingston Heath Golf Club in Melbourne provided an exciting start to the tournament. Local favorite Lucas Herbert took the lead with an impressive 8-under-par 63 at Victoria Golf Club. Herbert’s flawless round included four birdies on the back nine, followed by two more birdies and an eagle on the front nine, showcasing his exceptional ball-striking skills.

Japanese amateur Rintaro Nakano made a strong impression, finishing just one shot behind Herbert in a tie for second place. Nakano’s round featured eight birdies and only one bogey, demonstrating his potential on the professional stage.

American rookie Ryggs Johnston had a remarkable debut at Kingston Heath Golf Club, carding a 7-under-par 65 despite not having played a practice round on the course. Johnston’s round included eight birdies, with an impressive streak of five consecutive birdies from the 12th to the 16th hole.

Another American, Jordan Gumberg, matched Johnston’s score of 65 at Victoria Golf Club, also without the benefit of a practice round. Gumberg’s flawless performance highlighted the quality of both courses and the adaptability of the players.

The tournament saw several notable moments, including Min Woo Lee nearly holing out for eagle at Kingston Heath’s sixth hole, settling for a tap-in birdie instead. Jordan Smith demonstrated his long-range putting skills with a monster birdie putt on the fifth hole, while Darius van Driel showcased his short game prowess with a delightful chip-in from the fringe at the ninth.

As the tournament progresses, the players will rotate between Victoria Golf Club and Kingston Heath Golf Club, adding an extra layer of challenge and excitement to this prestigious event on the DP World Tour calendar.

ISPS HANDA Australian Open Stories

ISPS HANDA Australian Open Videos

International Series Qatar Uihlein embraces wind to take halfway lead at DGC

International Series Qatar - Asian Tour - Doha Golf Club - Doha, Qatar

After the second round of the International Series Qatar at Doha Golf Club, Peter Uihlein has taken a commanding lead. Uihlein, who plays for RangeGoats GC on the LIV Golf circuit, sits at 12-under-par after 36 holes. His impressive performance in round two, where he shot an eight-under 64, has given him a two-stroke advantage over his nearest competitor, fellow American Zach Bauchou.

The leaderboard shows Uihlein at -12, with Bauchou trailing at -10. Charl Schwartzel and David Puig are tied for 4th at -8, while Louis Oosthuizen is at 7-under-par, five strokes off the lead. Patrick Reed, Dean Burmester, Brendan Steele, and Eugenio Chacarra are all tied at -6.

The tournament features a strong showing from LIV Golf players, with eight of them currently in the top 10. This event serves as preparation for many LIV golfers ahead of the final Asian Tour event of the season, which will take place next week in Saudi Arabia.

Anthony Kim has made his first cut since March 2012. With rounds of 71 and 72, Kim sits at one-under-par, marking his first four-round tournament since his comeback this year. The cut line has been kind to the LIV Golf contingent, with all but one of their players making it through to the weekend. Sam Horsfield of Majesticks GC was the sole LIV golfer to miss the cut, finishing at +3.

As the tournament heads into its final two rounds, the strong presence of LIV Golf players near the top of the leaderboard sets the stage for an exciting conclusion to the International Series Qatar.

International Series Qatar Stories

International Series Qatar Videos

Upcoming: Hero World Challenge (Dec 5-8, 2024)

Today’s Best Golf Videos

What’s in the Bag (WITB)

Overheard in the Club House

UPCOMING TOURS

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