Planet Golf News for Monday, March 10, 2025

Russell Henley chips-in for eagle to snag Arnold Palmer Invitational from Collin Morikawa | Karl Vilips wins the Puerto Rico Open in just his third PGA Tour start | Rio Takeda wins Blue Bay LPGA in dominating fashion, first rookie to win on LPGA since 2023 | Sergio Garcia Makes Statement in LIV Hong Kong

Monday, March 10, 2025

Even the Best Rounds Eventually End...

Dear PGN Subscribers,

Well folks, as much as we've enjoyed delivering your daily fix of meticulously curated, brilliantly analyzed, and occasionally snarky golf news—365 days a year, rain or shine—we've discovered what countless golfers already know: passion alone doesn't pay greens fees. This is our final round.

Yes, PGN (Planet Golf News) will be officially discontinuing operations today. Turns out, as many a weekend golfer has painfully learned, it's surprisingly tough to make a living doing what you love. (Who knew?)

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Fairways and greens, friends—it's been a pleasure.

Warm regards, The (soon-to-be-former) PGN Team

[ THE LEADERBOARD ]

Today’s Top Golf News in Three Minutes

Good Morning,

And just like that, Russell Henley turned what could have been a standard Sunday into a highlight reel moment, chipping in for eagle on the 16th at Bay Hill to snatch victory from Collin Morikawa. It’s the kind of drama Arnold Palmer himself would have appreciated—scrambling, grinding, and delivering when it matters most. Morikawa, for his part, continues his tour of heartbreak, collecting runner-up finishes like they’re frequent flyer miles. At least he’s consistent.

Meanwhile, across the world in China, Rio Takeda made the Blue Bay LPGA look like her personal playground, dismantling the field with an eight-under 64 in the final round. The 21-year-old rookie became the first first-year LPGA winner in two years and did it with style, winning by a whopping six strokes. With two titles under her belt already, it looks like we might be watching the rise of Japan’s next golf superstar.

Speaking of prodigies, Karl Vilips decided to rewrite the Puerto Rico Open record books, shooting 26-under to become the latest “remember the name” moment on the PGA Tour. The Australian, decked out in Tiger Woods’ Sun Day Red gear, probably didn’t expect to match Seve Ballesteros’ feat of winning in just his fourth Tour start. He also apparently didn’t expect a congratulatory voicemail from Tiger himself—because he completely missed it. No worries, Karl. He’ll probably call again.

On the LIV circuit, Sergio Garcia turned back the clock in Hong Kong, winning both the individual and team titles while making a subtle (or not-so-subtle) pitch for another Ryder Cup nod. His Fireballs GC team edged out Stinger GC by a single shot, and Phil Mickelson even made his first podium appearance in LIV history. If you had Mickelson finally finding form at age 54 on your bingo card, congratulations.

On the Champions Tour, Steven Alker continues his reign as one of the best “out of nowhere” stories, taking down Jason Caron in a playoff at the Cologuard Classic. Caron, a club pro just trying to make a name for himself, came agonizingly close before Alker slammed the door with a clutch birdie putt. The senior circuit keeps delivering these storylines, and honestly, it’s just great entertainment.

Elsewhere, Calum Hill produced the ultimate Sunday charge, coming from eight shots back to steal the Joburg Open in a playoff. That’s the kind of performance that makes you check the leaderboard three times to make sure you’re reading it right. Logan McAllister also had a breakthrough moment on the Korn Ferry Tour, winning in Chile with a final-round 64. That win should put him in great position for a PGA Tour card, but for now, he can enjoy a much-needed confidence boost.

As for the rest of the golf world, Rory McIlroy spent his Sunday playing equipment roulette, Min Woo Lee reminded everyone that golf talent runs in his family, and a volunteer at Bay Hill was rewarded with a ball for correctly predicting a hole-out. Honestly, volunteering sounds like a great gig.

And with that, we’ve reached the end of the leaderboard. It’s been a blast bringing you the daily highs, lows, and absurdities of professional golf, but it’s time for me to step away from the keyboard and back onto the range. If you need me, I’ll be trying to reclaim my own game—because writing about golf every day hasn’t exactly done wonders for my handicap. See you out there.

Today’s Top Golf News 

Major Golf Tournaments from this past weekend

Russell Henley steals Arnold Palmer Invitational title from Collin Morikawa

Arnold Palmer Invitational - PGA Tour - Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club and Lodge - Orlando, FL

Russell Henley secured a dramatic victory at the 2025 Arnold Palmer Invitational, held at Bay Hill Club & Lodge in Orlando, Florida. Starting the final round one shot behind Collin Morikawa, Henley overcame a shaky front nine, where he bogeyed two par-5s and made additional mistakes. However, he rallied on the back nine, highlighted by a pivotal chip-in eagle on the par-5 16th hole that gave him the lead for the first time. Henley finished with a 2-under 70 for the day, bringing his total to 11-under for the tournament and earning a one-shot win over Morikawa.

Morikawa, who led for most of the final round, extended his advantage early with a birdie on the first hole and maintained control through much of the front nine. However, bogeys on the back nine, including at the par-3 14th, opened the door for Henley’s charge. On the decisive 16th hole, Henley’s chip from thick rough rolled into the hole for eagle, while Morikawa’s lay-up approach left him unable to convert his birdie attempt. Both players parred their final two holes, solidifying Henley’s victory.

This win marked Henley’s fifth career PGA Tour title and his first since 2022. It was also his most significant triumph to date, earning him $4 million in prize money. The victory ended a streak of ten top-10 finishes without a win since the start of 2024 and underscored Henley’s resilience under pressure. For Morikawa, who closed with an even-par 72, it was another near-miss despite steady play throughout the week.

Karl Vilips wins Puerto Rico Open in 4th start on tour

Puerto Rico Open - PGA Tour - Grand Reserve Country Club - Rio Grande, Puerto Rico

Karl Vilips of Australia secured his first PGA Tour victory at the 2025 Puerto Rico Open, shooting an impressive 8-under 64 in the final round to finish at 26-under par. The 23-year-old rookie, making just his fourth PGA Tour start, held off a strong challenge from Denmark's Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen, who briefly took the lead after a remarkable run of six consecutive birdies on the back nine.

Vilips, a former Stanford University golfer, responded to the pressure by making three straight birdies of his own to regain control of the tournament. His victory earns him a $720,000 prize, a two-year exemption on the PGA Tour, and entry into both The Players Championship next week and the PGA Championship in May.

Neergaard-Petersen finished in solo second place, earning $436,000 for his efforts. Joseph Bramlett secured third place and a $276,000 payday, while Steven Fisk claimed fourth place and $196,000.

The win was particularly significant for Vilips, who was wearing apparel from Tiger Woods' new "Sun Day Red" brand. This victory marks the 11th first-time winner in the 16-year history of the Puerto Rico Open, continuing the tournament's tradition of launching careers for up-and-coming golfers.

Japanese Star Ties Course Record To Secure Blue Bay LPGA Title

Blue Bay LPGA - Jian Lake Blue Bay Golf Course - Hainan Island, China

Rio Takeda secured a dominant victory at the 2025 Blue Bay LPGA tournament held at the Jian Lake Blue Bay Golf Course on Hainan Island, China. The 21-year-old Japanese golfer shot a blistering final round of 8-under 64, tying the course record and finishing with a total score of 17-under par. This impressive performance allowed Takeda to clinch her second LPGA title by a commanding six-shot margin over runner-up Minjee Lee of Australia, who closed with a 5-under 67 to finish at 11-under overall.

Takeda's victory was characterized by consistent play throughout the tournament, with opening rounds of 69-69-69 before her spectacular final day. Her bogey-free 64 on Sunday was three strokes better than any other player had managed all week on the challenging layout. This win marks Takeda's second LPGA title, following her victory at the Toto Japan Classic in November 2024, and establishes her as the first rookie to win on the LPGA Tour since Haeran Ryu in 2023.

Ayaka Furue of Japan secured third place at 10-under par, while Australia's Cassie Porter finished fourth at 7-under. The tournament saw strong performances from other Japanese players, with Mao Saigo tying for fifth at 6-under, and Miyu Yamashita and Nasa Hataoka sharing eighth place. Notably, world No. 2 Jeeno Thitikul struggled in the final round, shooting a disappointing 74 to finish at 4-under, 13 strokes behind the winner.

Takeda's victory earned her a prize of $350,000 from the total purse of $2.5 million. The Blue Bay LPGA marked the conclusion of three LPGA events held in Asia during the spring segment, with the tour set to resume in Arizona at the Ford Championship after a two-week break.

Steven Alker wins Cologuard Classic playoff for 9th PGA Tour Champions title

Cologuard Classic - PGA Tour Champions - La Paloma Country Club - Tucson, AZ

Steven Alker claimed victory at the 2025 Cologuard Classic, held at La Paloma Country Club in Tucson, Arizona, marking his ninth PGA Tour Champions title. Alker secured the win in dramatic fashion with a 12-foot birdie putt on the first playoff hole against Jason Caron. Both players had finished regulation play tied at 12-under-par 201 after shooting matching rounds of 5-under 66. Alker's performance on the back nine was particularly impressive, featuring an eagle on the par-5 11th hole and birdies on holes 15 through 17. Caron also delivered a strong finish, birdieing his final three holes to force the playoff.

Greg Chalmers, who led after the first two rounds, narrowly missed joining the playoff when his birdie attempt on the 18th hole slipped past. He finished tied for third at 11-under alongside Rod Pampling, who shot a final-round 67. Ernie Els rounded out the top five at 10-under following a 70. Alker's win was historic as it marked the first playoff in the event's 11-year history and moved him into second place in the Charles Schwab Cup standings behind Els.

Sergio Garcia makes statement to European Ryder Cup captain with win at LIV Golf Hong Kong

LIV Golf Hong Kong - LIV - Hong Kong Golf Club - Fanling, Hong Kong

Sergio Garcia emerged victorious at the LIV Golf Hong Kong 2025, securing both the individual and team titles. The Spanish golfer carded an impressive 7-under 63 in the final round, finishing the tournament at 18-under 192. Garcia's stellar performance included an eagle on the third hole and four consecutive birdies from holes 8 through 11, with an additional birdie on the 16th.

Dean Burmester of South Africa claimed second place with a tournament-low round of 62, finishing at 15-under. Phil Mickelson secured his first podium finish in LIV Golf, shooting a 64 to end up in third place at 14-under. Lucas Herbert of Australia took fourth place with a final-round 64, while Paul Casey, who was tied for the lead entering the final day, finished fifth after shooting a 69.

In the team competition, Garcia's Fireballs GC clinched the top spot with a score of 37-under, narrowly edging out Stinger GC by one stroke. The victory was sealed on the 18th hole, where Garcia needed to par to avoid a playoff. He successfully navigated a long putt and tapped in for birdie, securing both individual and team wins.

The event, held at Hong Kong Golf Club, featured a purse of $25 million, with Garcia earning $4 million for his individual victory. The team portion of the purse was $5 million, with Fireballs GC claiming $3 million for their first-place finish. This marks Garcia's second LIV Golf title and continues his strong performance on the circuit.

Joburg Open - DP World Tour - Houghton Golf Club - Johannesburg, South Africa

Scotland's Calum Hill claimed a dramatic victory in the 2025 Joburg Open at Houghton Golf Club in Johannesburg, South Africa. Hill started the final round eight shots behind the overnight leader but surged through the field with a spectacular 8-under-par 62, the lowest round of the tournament. His final score of 14-under-par 266 forced a three-way playoff with South African players Jacques Kruyswijk and Shaun Norris.

After all three players parred the first playoff hole, Hill secured the win on the second extra hole. Norris found trouble, hitting his second shot into the water and finishing with a double bogey, while Kruyswijk three-putted for a bogey. Hill's par was enough to clinch his second DP World Tour title.

The final day was filled with drama as several players held the lead at various points. Dylan Frittelli of South Africa briefly took the outright lead but finished one shot shy of the playoff at 13-under-par. Daniel Van Tonder and Kieran Vincent rounded out the top five at 12-under and 11-under, respectively.

Hill's victory, which came after overcoming an eight-shot deficit, moves him up to 11th place in the Race to Dubai standings. The win marks a significant achievement in his career and showcases his ability to perform under pressure in challenging conditions.

Astara Chile Classic pres. by Scotiabank - Korn Ferry Tour - Prince of Wales Country Club - Santiago, Chile

The final round of the Astara Chile Classic presented by Scotiabank concluded with Logan McAllister securing a thrilling victory at the Prince of Wales Country Club in Santiago, Chile. McAllister finished the tournament with an impressive score of -19, carding a final round of 64 to clinch the top spot. He narrowly edged out Davis Chatfield, who finished just one stroke behind at -18 after shooting a 66 in the final round.

The leaderboard was tightly packed, with four players tying for third place at -15. Matthew Anderson made a significant move up the leaderboard with a final round of 64, joining Hank Lebioda, Kensei Hirata, and Cole Hammer in the tie for third. Notably, Hammer, who had been in contention throughout the tournament, struggled in the final round with an even-par 71.

Further down the leaderboard, Jeremy Gandon made the biggest splash of the day, shooting a tournament-low 62 to vault up 39 positions and finish tied for 9th at -13. The tournament showcased the depth of talent on the Korn Ferry Tour, with tight competition throughout the field and several players making significant moves on the final day.

The event, part of the Korn Ferry Tour's Latin America swing, featured a purse of $1,000,000 and was played over four rounds from March 6-9, 2025. The challenging Prince of Wales Country Club course, measuring 7,134 yards with a par of 71, provided an excellent test for the field of 156 players. This victory will be a significant boost for McAllister's career as he continues his journey towards earning a PGA Tour card.

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