Planet Golf News for Monday, December 9, 2024

Scottie Scheffler is inevitable, winning Hero World Challenge to close out record season | Johannes Veerman wins second DP World Tour title at Nedbank Golf Challenge |

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PGN News Team
December 09, 2024

Monday, December 9, 2024

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[ THE LEADERBOARD ]

Today’s Top Golf News in Three Minutes

Good Morning,

What a week it has been in the world of golf! Scottie Scheffler continues to cement his place among the legends, Johannes Veerman pulled off a dramatic win in South Africa, and Tiger Woods teased us with a potential return alongside his son Charlie. Let’s dive into the highlights.

Scottie Scheffler is truly the man of the moment. This past week, he not only defended his Hero World Challenge title with an emphatic six-stroke victory but also secured his ninth win of the year. His bogey-free final round of 63 at Albany Golf Club was pure artistry, featuring a clutch 50-foot birdie putt that left fans (and competitors) in awe. This caps off an incredible year for Scottie, which included another Masters victory, an Olympic gold, and the FedExCup. And with his 82nd consecutive week as World No. 1, Scheffler is climbing closer to the all-time records set by Greg Norman and Tiger Woods. With a new claw-style putting grip debuting this week, it’s clear that Scottie isn’t just resting on his laurels; he’s constantly innovating his game. The man is unstoppable!

Meanwhile, over in Sun City, South Africa, Johannes Veerman delivered a stirring comeback to win the Nedbank Golf Challenge. Starting the final day five shots behind Aldrich Potgieter, Veerman stayed steady while Potgieter crumbled under the pressure, highlighted by a triple-bogey on the par-three 12th. Veerman’s emotional win marked his second DP World Tour title, and his post-match tribute to his caddie and family reminded us of the sacrifices behind every victory.

Tiger Woods also made headlines, as always, during a TV appearance at the Hero World Challenge. While he didn’t commit to playing the PNC Championship with Charlie, his “we’ll see” response keeps the door open for a potential father-son moment that fans are eager to witness. Woods also backed Keegan Bradley as the 2025 Ryder Cup captain, calling him a “natural fit.” And in true Tiger fashion, he reflected on his evolving swing and the importance of minimizing mistakes—a nod to his years of dominance.

Elsewhere, Joaquin Niemann snagged the PIF Saudi International title after a playoff against Cameron Smith. The victory vaulted him back into the top 75 of the world rankings, adding $1 million and the International Series crown to his resume. For a player once outside the top 100, this win is a major boost as he heads into a new chapter—both professionally and personally, with his wedding on the horizon.

Off the course, Michael Jordan proved once again why he’s the ultimate competitor, dropping a $100,000 chip on the tee box at Shadow Creek, outshining his friend’s $25,000 marker. Classic MJ.

And then there’s Butch Harmon, who held his final golf school in Las Vegas, closing out an illustrious career surrounded by friends, family, and former students. The legendary coach leaves behind a legacy that has shaped countless players, including Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson.

From Scottie Scheffler’s dominance to the emotional victories and iconic moments, this week showcased why golf continues to capture our hearts. The stories, rivalries, and comebacks keep us coming back for more. Whether it’s Veerman’s resilience, Scheffler’s consistency, or Tiger’s teases of a return, there’s always something magical happening on the greens. Here’s to more drama, glory, and unforgettable moments as we head into the final stretch of the year!

[ Today’s Top Golf News ] 

Scottie Scheffler Set To Overtake Six-Time Major Winner For Consecutive Weeks As World No.1

Scottie Scheffler is set to surpass Nick Faldo for the fourth longest consecutive weeks as World No.1, achieving his 82nd week at the top of the rankings. Despite facing putting issues, Scheffler maintained his dominance in men's golf with significant victories, including the Arnold Palmer Invitational. He aims to eventually challenge Greg Norman's 96-week record and Tiger Woods' remarkable 264 and 281-week reigns at the top, although he still has a considerable journey ahead to reach that level of dominance.

Scottie Scheffler can do no wrong in Hero World Challenge title defense

Scottie Scheffler successfully defended his title at the Hero World Challenge, winning by six strokes with a final-round score of 63. This victory marks his ninth win of 2024, further establishing him as a dominant force in golf, drawing comparisons to Tiger Woods. Scheffler's performance included exceptional statistics in various categories, showcasing his skill and consistency. He has now won multiple prestigious tournaments this year and continues to innovate his game, particularly in putting. The Hero serves as a significant indicator of his current and future standing in professional golf.

Late Collapse From Home Favorite Helps Johannes Veerman Wrap Up Second DP World Tour Title

Johannes Veerman won the Nedbank Golf Challenge, overcoming a five-stroke deficit to claim his second DP World Tour title. He finished with a score of five-under, while Aldrich Potgieter, who had a three-stroke lead at one point, faltered with late bogeys. Veerman's emotional victory marked a significant comeback after a challenging couple of seasons, highlighting the sacrifices made by his support team.

Tiger Woods says 'we'll see' when asked whether he, Charlie will play 2024 PNC Championship

Tiger Woods, recovering from back surgery, has not yet confirmed if he and his son Charlie will participate in the 2024 PNC Championship, stating "we'll see" when asked about it. He has not played competitively since July and mentioned that two spots in the championship field remain unannounced, potentially for Team Woods.

Major Golf Tournaments happening this week

Scottie Scheffler Puts Final Mark on 2024 With Hero World Challenge Win

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

In the final round of the 2024 Hero World Challenge, Scottie Scheffler delivered a dominant performance to secure his second consecutive victory at the event. Starting the day one shot behind Justin Thomas, Scheffler fired a bogey-free 9-under 63 to finish at 25-under 263, tying the tournament record at Albany Golf Club. His six-shot victory over runner-up Tom Kim was the largest margin since the tournament moved to the Bahamas. Scheffler took the lead early with a birdie on the third hole and never looked back, showcasing his exceptional skills with a 50-foot birdie putt on the fourth. Thomas, who began the day as the leader, struggled to keep pace and finished third after a final-round 71. The win marked Scheffler’s ninth worldwide victory of the year, capping off an extraordinary season that included a second Masters title, an Olympic gold medal, and the FedExCup. Scheffler’s performance was particularly noteworthy as he debuted a new claw-style putting grip for shorter putts, which proved effective as he ranked third in the field in strokes gained putting.

Hero World Challenge Stories

Hero World Challenge Videos

Johannes Veerman wins second DP World Tour title at Nedbank Golf Challenge

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

The final round of the 2024 Nedbank Golf Challenge at Gary Player CC in Sun City, South Africa, provided a dramatic conclusion as Johannes Veerman staged a remarkable comeback to claim victory. Starting the day five strokes behind overnight leader Aldrich Potgieter, Veerman carded a three-under 69 with six birdies and three bogeys to set the clubhouse target at five under par. Potgieter, who held a commanding lead early in the round, stumbled with a triple-bogey on the par-three 12th, opening the door for challengers. The South African’s struggles continued as he bogeyed two of his last three holes, including a crucial dropped shot on the 18th that cost him the tournament. Veerman’s victory, his second on the DP World Tour, was secured when Potgieter failed to make a 10-foot putt on the final hole to force a playoff. The American’s win was particularly emotional given his recent struggles, marking a triumphant start to his season. Potgieter finished in a tie for second place alongside Matthew Jordan and Romain Langasque, all one shot behind Veerman’s winning score.

Nedbank Golf Challenge Stories

Nedbank Golf Challenge Videos

Ryder Cup (Sept 25-28, 2025)

'A Natural Fit' - Tiger Woods Backs Keegan Bradley US Ryder Captaincy

Tiger Woods, recovering from his sixth back surgery, expressed strong support for Keegan Bradley as the captain for the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black, citing Bradley's New England roots and leadership qualities. Woods declined the captaincy due to existing responsibilities but is optimistic about the US team's prospects following their loss in 2023. He also hinted at a potential appearance with his son Charlie at the upcoming PNC Championship.

Today’s Best Golf Videos

What’s in the Bag (WITB)

Winner's bag: Scottie Scheffler repeats at Hero World Challenge

Scottie Scheffler won the Hero World Challenge for the second consecutive time, defeating Tom Kim by six strokes. He utilized a new putting technique and a specific set of clubs, including a TaylorMade Qi10 driver and Srixon ZU85 irons, among others, to secure his victory.

Overheard in the Club House

How much money did Scottie Scheffler's caddie Ted Scott make in 2024?

In 2024, caddie Ted Scott earned approximately $5,338,504 from working with golfer Scottie Scheffler, who had a successful year with earnings totaling $55,228,358. Scott's earnings are based on a standard caddie payment structure, receiving a percentage of Scheffler's winnings from various tournaments, including significant amounts from the Tour Championship and Hero World Challenge.

Legendary Sports Commentator Puts In $50,000 Bid For Scottie Scheffler's First Car

Legendary sports commentator Jim Nantz has placed a $50,000 bid for Scottie Scheffler's first car, which is being auctioned to benefit the charity Triumph Over Kid Cancer. The auction runs until December 28, 2024, and the vehicle, known for its humble background, has significant sentimental value as it was used by Scheffler during his early golf career, including his first Masters win. The charity is personally important to Scheffler, who has supported it through various initiatives.

LIV star makes world-ranking leap with playoff win in Saudi Arabia

Joaquin Niemann won the 2024 PIF Saudi International, defeating Cameron Smith in a playoff, which is expected to significantly improve his world ranking, likely placing him in the top 75. This victory also earned him $1 million and the season-long International Series crown, providing a boost after previously falling to 138th in the rankings. Niemann expressed that his recent loss to Jon Rahm motivated him to perform well in this tournament, and he is looking forward to celebrating his upcoming wedding.

Michael Jordan had the ultimate flex at Las Vegas' most expensive course

Michael Jordan showcased his competitive spirit at Shadow Creek Golf Course in Las Vegas, where he humorously outdid a friend's attempt to impress by placing a $100,000 chip behind his ball after the friend marked his with a $25,000 chip. This anecdote was shared by Colt Knost on the GOLF Subpar podcast, highlighting Jordan's playful yet fierce nature both on and off the golf course.

Tiger Woods makes TV visit, and 1 'small and skinny' thought intrigues

Tiger Woods made a TV appearance during the Hero World Challenge, where he discussed his potential participation in the upcoming PNC Championship and praised Scottie Scheffler's consistent performance. Woods shared insights about his own swing, revealing that he once had a baseball-like swing and emphasized the importance of footwork in golf. His comments highlighted the evolution of golf techniques and the significance of minimizing mistakes for success in the sport.

Butch Harmon holds his final golf school in the most perfect way

Butch Harmon held his final golf school at the Butch Harmon School of Golf in Las Vegas, marking a significant farewell at the age of 81. The event was a surprise organized by his wife, featuring over 30 friends and family, including many former students and instructors. Harmon, known for coaching top golfers like Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson, reflected on his extraordinary career and the impact he has had on the game of golf.

Watch As Mac Boucher Pulls Off Insane Backwards Moon-Ball Wedge Shot From Bunker's Edge

Mac Boucher, a golf influencer, executed an impressive backwards wedge shot from the edge of a bunker at Kingston Heath Golf Club, which he described as potentially the craziest shot of his career. The shot, reminiscent of Phil Mickelson's style, garnered widespread acclaim on social media, with many praising its execution. Despite the trick shot's success, Boucher remains grounded, reflecting on the challenges of professional golf after a recent disappointing performance in a tournament.

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UPCOMING TOURS

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