Planet Golf News for Monday, November 25, 2024

Maverick McNealy closes PGA Tour season with walk-off birdie at RSM Classic | Jeeno Thitikul Wins CME Group Tour Championship and $4 Million First-Place Prize | Elvis Smylie takes down LIV Golf star Cameron Smith to land first DP World Tour title

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PGN News Team
November 25, 2024

Monday, November 25, 2024

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[ THE LEADERBOARD ]

Today’s Top Golf News in Three Minutes

Good Morning,

This past weekend was packed with unforgettable moments in the golf world, from breakthrough victories to history-making performances. Let’s dive into the highlights that have golf fans buzzing.

At the RSM Classic, Maverick McNealy finally broke through for his first PGA Tour win in dramatic style. The 29-year-old Stanford alum sank a clutch birdie on the final hole at Sea Island to secure a one-shot victory over a competitive field that included Daniel Berger and amateur standout Luke Clanton. McNealy’s win came with a hefty $1.36 million prize and guarantees him a spot in prestigious events like the 2025 Masters and PGA Championship. It was a storybook ending to the PGA Tour season, and a career-defining moment for McNealy, who has been grinding for 142 starts to get his hands on a trophy.

Over on the LPGA Tour, Jeeno Thitikul made history at the CME Group Tour Championship in Naples, Florida. The 21-year-old Thai star not only clinched her second season win but also pocketed a staggering $4 million—marking the largest single prize in women’s golf history. Finishing at 22-under, Thitikul edged Angel Yin by a single shot, completing an unforgettable season where she also set a new earnings record of over $6 million. The event capped off a transformative year for the LPGA, with growing prize purses reflecting the sport’s expanding reach and popularity.

Meanwhile, Elvis Smylie stunned the crowd at the BMW Australian PGA Championship, holding off his mentor and LIV Golf star Cameron Smith. Smylie’s composed play, highlighted by a flawless final-round 67, earned him his first DP World Tour title at just 22 years old. The victory was particularly special as Smylie once benefited from a scholarship named after Smith—making this win against his idol all the more poignant. It’s a career milestone for Smylie and a sign of exciting things to come.

The CME Group Tour Championship also saw an emotional goodbye to Lexi Thompson, who played her final full-time LPGA event after a stellar career that included 11 wins. She wasn’t alone in saying farewell—Ally Ewing and Marina Alex also stepped away from full-time competition. Thompson reflected on the highs and challenges of her journey, promising to remain active in the golf world with upcoming appearances like the Grant Thornton Invitational.

For Joel Dahmen, the RSM Classic was about more than glory—it was about survival. Finishing 124th in the FedEx Cup standings, Dahmen retained his PGA Tour card for 2025, a feat he called “gut-wrenching” but ultimately rewarding. His emotional victory over self-doubt showcased the grind that defines life on the bubble in professional golf.

With these stories and many more, it’s clear that the 2024 golf season ended on a thrilling note. From historic wins to heartfelt farewells, the sport continues to offer drama, inspiration, and plenty to look forward to in the year ahead. Whether it’s rising stars like Smylie and Thitikul or veterans finding their moment like McNealy, golf fans have plenty to celebrate—and anticipate.

[ Today’s Top Golf News ] 

Maverick McNealy Wins The RSM Classic As Dramatic FedEx Cup Fall Concludes

Maverick McNealy won his first PGA Tour event at the RSM Classic, finishing at 16-under-par. The final round featured a thrilling chase from competitors like Luke Clanton and Daniel Berger, but McNealy secured the victory with a crucial birdie on the 18th hole. The tournament also impacted the FedEx Cup standings, with Joel Dahmen and Henrik Norlander achieving significant results to maintain their playing status for the 2025 season, while Hayden Springer and Zac Blair fell short of the top 125 cut-off.

Jeeno Thitikul wins 2024 CME Group Tour Championship, pockets top prize of $4 million

Jeeno Thitikul won the 2024 CME Group Tour Championship, earning a record $4 million prize, the largest in women's golf history. At just 21 years old, she finished with a total score of 22-under par, edging out Angel Yin by one stroke. Thitikul's victory, along with a previous $1 million bonus, brought her total earnings for the week to $5 million and set a new single-season earnings record of over $6 million. Other notable performances included Nelly Korda and Lydia Ko, while three players announced their retirement from full-time competition.

Elvis Smylie takes down LIV Golf star Cameron Smith to land first DP World Tour title

Elvis Smylie won his first DP World Tour title by defeating LIV Golf star Cameron Smith with a two-shot victory at the BMW Australian PGA Championship. Smylie, who previously secured a win on the Challenger PGA Tour, maintained composure throughout the final round, finishing with a flawless 67 and a total of 14 under par. His performance included crucial par putts and a strong short game, allowing him to fend off Smith's challenges. Smylie expressed his excitement about competing against his idols and the significance of this victory for his career.

Retiring Lexi Thompson plays final LPGA round at 2024 CME Group Tour Championship in Naples

Lexi Thompson played her final LPGA round at the 2024 CME Group Tour Championship, marking the end of an era as she retires after a successful career with 11 wins. Alongside her, Ally Ewing and Marina Alex also announced their retirements. Thompson expressed her emotions during the event, highlighting the challenges athletes face in showing vulnerability. Ewing celebrated her retirement with family and a new puppy, while Alex reflected on the difficulties of maintaining competitiveness after 11 seasons. Thompson will return to play in the Grant Thornton Invitational next month.

What Does It Mean To Keep A PGA Tour Card? Joel Dahmen Found Out At The RSM Classic

Joel Dahmen secured his full PGA Tour card for the 2025 season after a tense final round at the RSM Classic, finishing 124th in the FedEx Cup standings. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to continue his career and emphasized the importance of raising his family on the tour. Dahmen credited his wife for helping him regain focus after a challenging third round and highlighted the support from loved ones and his caddie, which helped him maintain perspective during the pressure of the tournament.

Major Golf Tournaments from this past weekend

Maverick McNealy birdies 72nd hole to get first PGA Tour victory at 2024 RSM Classic

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

The 2024 RSM Classic at Sea Island Golf Club’s Seaside Course in St. Simons Island, Georgia, concluded with an exciting finish as Maverick McNealy secured his first PGA Tour victory. McNealy carded a 2-under 68 in the final round to finish at 16-under par overall, clinching the win with a clutch birdie on the 72nd hole.

The 29-year-old Stanford alum edged out a trio of competitors who finished tied for second at 15-under: Daniel Berger, Nico Echavarria, and amateur Luke Clanton. McNealy’s victory came in dramatic fashion, as he overcame a late deficit to claim the title.

J.T. Poston, Lee Hodges, and Mackenzie Hughes shared fifth place at 14-under par. The top 10 was rounded out by Michael Thorbjornsen, Patrick Fishburn, and Vince Whaley, who all tied for eighth at 13-under.

With this win, McNealy not only secured his first PGA Tour title but also earned a substantial $1,368,000 prize. The victory brings with it several perks, including a two-year exemption on the PGA Tour, a spot in the 2025 Masters, and qualification for the 2025 PGA Championship. Additionally, McNealy secured his place in the 2025 season opener at The Sentry in Kapalua.

The tournament, which marked the final event on the PGA Tour’s 2024 schedule, showcased intense competition and shifting leaderboards throughout the final round. McNealy’s breakthrough win after 142 attempts on the PGA Tour adds a compelling storyline to the conclusion of the 2024 golf season.

The RSM Classic Stories

The RSM Classic Videos

Jeeno Thitikul Claims Biggest Prize In History Of Women's Game With Victory In CME Group Tour Championship

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

The 2024 CME Group Tour Championship, held at Tiburon Golf Club in Naples, Florida, concluded with a historic victory for Jeeno Thitikul. The Thai golfer secured the largest first-place prize in LPGA history, taking home an impressive $4 million. This tournament marked the end of the LPGA season with a substantial $11 million purse, showcasing the growing financial support for women’s golf.

The top 60 players in the regular season standings competed in this prestigious event, with world No. 1 Nelly Korda headlining the field. While the exact performances of other players were not detailed, the prize money distribution highlighted the significant rewards for top finishers. The runner-up received $1 million, while the third-place finisher earned $550,000.

This tournament not only provided substantial winnings for the participants but also set the stage for an even more lucrative 2025 season. The LPGA announced that next year’s total purses would increase to $131 million over 33 official events, representing a boost of more than $14 million from 2024.

Thitikul’s victory at the CME Group Tour Championship solidifies her position as one of the top players in women’s golf and marks a significant milestone in the sport’s history. The increased prize money and growing purses demonstrate the LPGA’s commitment to elevating the status and financial rewards of women’s professional golf.

CME Group Tour Stories

CME Group Tour Videos

Elvis Smylie holds off mentor Cam Smith to win the Australian PGA by 2 shots

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

The 2024 BMW Australian PGA Championship at Royal Queensland Golf Club in Brisbane, Australia, concluded with a thrilling finish as Elvis Smylie secured his first DP World Tour title. The 22-year-old Australian golfer held off a strong challenge from his idol and three-time event winner, Cameron Smith, to claim victory.

Smylie, who entered the final round sharing the lead with Smith, displayed remarkable composure throughout the tournament. He carded rounds of 65, 67, and 67 to finish at 14-under-par, two shots clear of his nearest competitor. His final round was particularly impressive, featuring four birdies on the front nine that helped him build a three-shot lead at the turn.

Cameron Smith, the 150th Open champion, mounted a late charge with birdies on the 15th and 17th holes, but it wasn’t enough to overtake Smylie. Smith finished in second place, two strokes behind the winner.

The all-Australian final group was completed by Marc Leishman, who tied for third place at 11-under-par alongside Anthony Quayle. Quayle made a spectacular finish to his tournament, sinking a remarkable 110-foot birdie putt on the last hole to card a blemish-free 63 in the final round.

Further down the leaderboard, former world No. 1 Jason Day was among a group of seven players who shared eighth place at 8-under-par.

Smylie’s victory was particularly poignant as he had received the Cameron Smith Scholarship in 2019, making his triumph over his mentor even more significant. The win marks a major milestone in Smylie’s career, coming just a month after he secured his first professional win on the PGA Tour of Australasia.

This tournament served as the opening event of the 2025 DP World Tour season, setting an exciting tone for the golfing year ahead.

BMW Australian PGA Championship Stories

BMW Australian PGA Championship Videos

Today’s Best Golf Videos

What’s in the Bag (WITB)

What clubs does RSM Classic winner Maverick McNealy play? Winner's bag

Maverick McNealy, the winner of the RSM Classic, primarily uses TaylorMade clubs, including a TaylorMade Qi10 driver, Stealth 2 woods, P7CB irons, Titleist Vokey wedges, and an Odyssey Toulon putter. He secured his first PGA Tour title with a crucial birdie putt on the final hole. The article details his club setup and specifications, emphasizing the performance features of each club.

Overheard in the Club House

10 Big Movers In The FedEx Cup Fall Standings

The 2024 PGA Tour season concluded with the FedEx Cup Fall, where players aimed to secure top 125 standings for full playing rights in 2025. Key movers included Matt McCarty, Rafael Campos, and David Lipsky, who improved their standings significantly, while others like Brice Garnett and Davis Riley faced declines but retained their status. The document highlights the importance of this stage for players' future opportunities on the PGA Tour.

See who qualified for AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, The Genesis Invitational via Aon Next 10

Maverick McNealy won his first PGA TOUR title at The RSM Classic, securing a spot in the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and The Genesis Invitational for 2025. Players ranked 51-60 on the FedExCup Fall standings qualified for these events, including Kevin Yu, who moved up to No. 58 after a strong performance. The AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am will take place from January 30 to February 2, and The Genesis Invitational is scheduled for February 13-16.

CME Group CEO grades LPGA commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan job performance A++

CME Group CEO Terry Duffy praised LPGA Commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan's leadership, giving her an A++ for her performance. He highlighted the growth of the LPGA under her tenure, citing increased interest and participation in women's golf, and emphasized the importance of providing young women with opportunities through the sport. Duffy also noted that the ultimate measure of success is not just financial but also the positive impact on young people's lives.

Patrick Reed Ends Long Wait For First Individual Title Since Leaving PGA Tour

Patrick Reed secured his first individual title since leaving the PGA Tour by winning the Hong Kong Open, ending a nearly four-year drought. He finished with a score of 22-under, following a remarkable 59 in the previous round. Reed's victory came despite some late mistakes, as he maintained a comfortable lead over New Zealand's Ben Campbell, who struggled with his putting. The win marks Reed's first on the Asian Tour and adds to his previous team victories since joining LIV Golf.

Mexico's Clarisa Temelo runs away with 2024 Women's Amateur Latin America title

Clarisa Temelo, an 18-year-old from Mexico and freshman at Arkansas, won the 2024 Women’s Amateur Latin America with a six-shot lead, finishing at 9-under 275 at Lima Golf Club in Peru. This victory grants her exemptions into three major championships in 2025: the Chevron Championship, Amundi Evian Championship, and AIG Women’s Open. Temelo expressed excitement about her achievements and the upcoming tournaments, noting the significance of each event in her golf career.

Multiple-Time PGA Tour Winner Claims Circuit Is Becoming A 'Closed Shop' Ahead Of Changes

Kevin Kisner has expressed concerns that the PGA Tour is becoming a "closed shop" due to upcoming changes aimed at addressing slow play, which will reduce the number of players retaining full status from 125 to 100 starting in 2026. These changes, including fewer spots for Monday qualifiers and a smaller starting field in open tournaments, have received mixed reactions from fellow players, with some viewing them as necessary while others see them as detrimental to job opportunities on the tour.

When Will Nelly Korda Play Next After CME Group Tour Championship 2024? World No.1's Schedule Explored

Nelly Korda had a remarkable 2024 season, winning seven LPGA Tour events and being named Rolex Player of the Year. After the CME Group Tour Championship, she will participate in the Grand Thornton Invitational from December 12-15, teaming up with Tony Finau. Following that, she will compete in the PNC Championship with her father, Petr Korda, from December 19-22. Despite not winning these unofficial events previously, her strong performance suggests she may achieve victory in both.

These 15 amateurs made 22 cuts on the PGA Tour in 2024

In 2024, 15 amateur golfers made 22 cuts on the PGA Tour, with Luke Clanton leading by making cuts in seven events, including a tie for second at the RSM Classic. Notably, Nick Dunlap won the American Express, becoming one of only eight amateurs to win a PGA Tour event. If they had received prize money, the amateurs would have collectively earned over $4.2 million, with Clanton alone potentially earning over $2 million from his finishes.

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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