Planet Golf News for Monday, October 14, 2024

Matt McCarty wins inaugural Black Desert title in second start | Ruoning Yin sets tournament record in win in Shanghai | Jerry Kelly hangs on to win SAS Championship | Dan Bradbury Wins Open de France In Epic Final Day At Le Golf National

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PGN News Team
October 14, 2024

Monday, October 14, 2024

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Today’s Top Golf News in Three Minutes

Good Morning,

The 2024 Black Desert Championship was an unforgettable tournament for more than one reason. Besides the stunning desert backdrop and fierce competition, the black lava rocks peppering the course became a challenge for players, resulting in over 150 rulings related to the lava or lost balls by the end of the third round. In this unique setting, PGA Tour rookie Matt McCarty shone brightest, securing his first PGA Tour win with a score of 23-under-par. This victory, in only his second PGA Tour start, catapults McCarty into the spotlight, earning him playing privileges through 2026 and a spot in major events like The Masters and PGA Championship. He showed impressive composure, particularly on the par-4 14th hole, where his eagle all but sealed his three-stroke win over Stephan Jaeger. Lava rulings aside, McCarty’s success story is the perfect illustration of a player rising quickly from the Korn Ferry Tour to a PGA Tour winner.

Meanwhile, on the LPGA Tour, Ruoning Yin made history by becoming the first Chinese golfer to win her home event, the Buick LPGA Shanghai. Yin, just 22 years old, finished at a spectacular 25-under-par, securing her fourth LPGA victory by an impressive six-shot margin. Playing in front of an enthusiastic home crowd, Yin surged from eight shots behind after the first round to completely dominate the weekend. This win is particularly special as Yin becomes a local hero, proving her status as one of the game’s rising stars and further inspiring aspiring golfers in China and beyond.

Over on the PGA Tour Champions, Jerry Kelly ended a two-year title drought with a nail-biting victory at the SAS Championship. Kelly, who had been plagued by injuries, played near-flawless golf until the very last hole, where a bogey opened the door for Padraig Harrington. Harrington, needing an 8-foot par putt to force a playoff, missed, giving Kelly his 12th Champions Tour win. The SAS Championship also finalized the field for the upcoming Charles Schwab Cup Playoffs, with Ernie Els sitting at the top of the standings.

Lastly, the DP World Tour’s FedEx Open de France delivered a thrilling final day at Le Golf National. Englishman Dan Bradbury carded a flawless final-round 66 to claim victory, edging out a packed leaderboard with a one-shot win. Bradbury’s second DP World Tour title couldn’t have come at a better time, as he leaped into contention for the season-ending DP World Tour Championship in Dubai.

With these exciting developments from across the golfing world, the past weekend was a testament to the unpredictability, drama, and skill that make this sport so captivating. Whether it’s battling lava rocks, hometown glory, or a veteran’s triumphant return, golf continues to deliver moments of magic.

[ Today’s Top Golf News ] 

Guess how many rulings the lava caused in Black Desert Championship. Hint: It's over 100!

The Black Desert Championship showcased a unique challenge with black lava rock affecting gameplay, resulting in 154 rulings related to lava or lost balls during the first three rounds. Players found the course fair yet demanding, with PGA Tour rookie Matt McCarty winning at 23 under par. The lava rock acted like a water hazard, complicating play and leading to lengthy rulings, but ultimately contributed to a fascinating tournament atmosphere.

Major Golf Tournaments happening this past weekend

Black Desert Championship - PGA Tour - Black Desert Resort Golf Course - Ivins, UT

Matt McCarty secured his first PGA Tour victory at the 2024 Black Desert Championship in Ivins, Utah, capping off an impressive performance with a final score of 23-under-par. This win marks a significant milestone for McCarty, coming in just his second start as an official PGA Tour member after earning a Three-Victory Promotion from the Korn Ferry Tour.

McCarty's victory was decisive, finishing three strokes ahead of runner-up Stephan Jaeger, who ended the tournament at 20-under-par. The win not only secures McCarty's playing privileges on the PGA Tour through the 2026 season but also guarantees him invitations to prestigious events such as The Sentry, The Masters, and the PGA Championship.

The final round saw some dramatic moments as McCarty's lead was challenged multiple times. Kevin Streelman posed a significant threat, narrowing the gap to a single stroke before the turn. However, a double bogey on the 10th hole for Streelman allowed McCarty to regain a comfortable lead. Lucas Glover made a late charge with an impressive final-round 62, briefly getting within two strokes of the lead. The pivotal moment came on the drivable par-4 14th hole, where McCarty hit a spectacular tee shot to within 4 feet of the pin, setting up an eagle that effectively sealed his victory.

The top finishers included Matt McCarty at -23 for $1,350,000, Stephan Jaeger at -20 for $817,500, and Lucas Glover and Kevin Streelman tied at -19 for $442,500 each. Matti Schmid rounded out the top five at -18 for $307,500.

This win catapults McCarty from outside the top 230 in the FedEx Cup standings to No. 95, giving him a chance to qualify for the first two signature events of the 2025 season. The victory also solidifies McCarty's status as a rising star on the PGA Tour, having now won four times in his last ten professional starts, including his Korn Ferry Tour successes. The Black Desert Championship showcased the talent coming through from the Korn Ferry Tour, with McCarty's rapid ascent to PGA Tour winner status highlighting the strength of golf's developmental circuit. As the tournament concludes, McCarty's performance will undoubtedly be remembered as a breakthrough moment in his promising career.

Black Desert Stories

Black Desert Championship Videos

Ruoning Yin Claims Historic Victory In Home Event At Buick LPGA Shanghai

Buick LPGA Shanghai - LPGA - Qizhong Gardent Golf Club - Shanghai, China

Ruoning Yin delivered a spectacular performance at the 2024 Buick LPGA Shanghai, capturing her hometown event at Qizhong Garden Golf Club on Sunday. The 22-year-old from Shanghai shot impressive rounds of 63 and 64 over the weekend, securing a commanding six-shot victory and finishing at an outstanding 25 under par.

This triumph marks Yin's fourth LPGA victory and her second win of the 2024 season. It is particularly significant as she becomes the first Chinese golfer to claim the LPGA Shanghai title. Her stellar performance earned her $315,000 in prize money, bringing her season earnings to $1,914,945 and her career earnings to $5,064,762.

The tournament saw a dramatic turnaround for Yin, who was eight shots behind leader Sei Young Kim after the opening round. However, she steadily climbed the leaderboard, trailing by four after the second round and just one shot behind heading into the final day. On Sunday, Yin dominated the field, showcasing her exceptional skills and local knowledge of the course.

Sei Young Kim and Mao Saigo tied for second place at 19 under par, while Yealimi Noh finished fourth at 18 under. The top five was rounded out by Hye-Jin Choi and Jeeno Thitikul, both finishing at 16 under par.

Yin's victory was made even more special by the enthusiastic support of her hometown crowd. She expressed her joy at winning in front of family and friends, describing the experience as "amazing" and "phenomenal." This win adds to Yin's growing list of accomplishments, which includes a major championship victory at the 2023 KPMG Women's PGA.

The Buick LPGA Shanghai continues to be an important stop on the LPGA Tour, attracting top talent from around the world. Yin's victory not only cements her status as one of the tour's rising stars but also serves as an inspiration for aspiring golfers in China and across Asia.

Buick LPGA Shanghai Stories

Buick LPGA Shanghai Videos

Jerry Kelly ends drought, wins PGA Tour Champions' regular-season finale

SAS Championship - PGA Tour Champions - Prestonwood CC, Cary, NC

The 2024 SAS Championship at Prestonwood Country Club in Cary, North Carolina concluded Sunday with Jerry Kelly emerging victorious in a thrilling finish. Kelly, who had been battling injuries and hadn't won on the PGA Tour Champions in two years, closed with a strong 5-under 67 to claim his 12th title on the senior circuit.

The final round was filled with drama as Kelly overcame a three-shot deficit to overnight leader Padraig Harrington. Kelly played nearly flawless golf, maintaining a bogey-free card until the very last hole. His steady play allowed him to build a two-shot lead heading into the final two holes.

However, the tournament took an unexpected turn on the 18th green. Kelly three-putted for his only bogey of the day, opening the door for Harrington. The Irish golfer, who had been struggling with his putter throughout the round, needed to make an 8-foot par putt on the final hole to force a playoff. In a heartbreaking moment for Harrington, his putt lipped out, handing Kelly the victory by a single stroke.

Kelly finished at 13-under 203 for the tournament, with Harrington settling for second place after a final round 71. Shane Bertsch secured third place at 10-under, while Angel Cabrera impressed with a solo fourth-place finish at 9-under, marking his best result since returning to the Champions tour.

The SAS Championship, now in its 23rd year, has become a staple of the PGA Tour Champions schedule. Kelly's win was particularly sweet, as he has a long history with the tournament and considers the Carolina community around Prestonwood to be like family. This victory marks his second SAS Championship title, having previously won in 2019.

Beyond the individual triumph, the tournament also finalized the field for the upcoming Charles Schwab Cup Playoffs. Ernie Els secured the top spot in the points race heading into the playoffs, despite a disappointing weekend performance.

As the regular season concludes, the top 72 players in the Charles Schwab Cup standings have earned their spots in the playoffs. The first event of the three-tournament series, the Dominion Energy Charity Classic in Richmond, Virginia, is set to begin next week, promising more excitement for golf fans as the season reaches its climax.

SAS Championship Stories

SAS Championship Videos

Dan Bradbury Wins Open de France In Epic Final Day At Le Golf National

FedEx Open de France - DP World Tour - Le Golf National - Paris, France

Dan Bradbury emerged victorious at the 2024 FedEx Open de France, securing his second DP World Tour title with a stellar performance at Le Golf National in Paris. The 25-year-old Englishman carded a flawless final round of 66, coming from two strokes behind to claim the win with a total of 16-under par.

Bradbury's victory was far from assured, as the final day saw intense competition with over a dozen players in contention throughout most of the round. At one point, there was even an 11-way tie for the lead2. However, Bradbury pulled ahead with a remarkable back-nine performance, reeling off three consecutive birdies from the 14th hole.

The turning point came at the 15th hole, where Bradbury narrowly avoided the water and sank a crucial 15-foot birdie putt. This stroke of luck and skill gave him the confidence to push forward and secure the win.

Bradbury's closest challengers finished one stroke behind at 15-under par. This group included fellow Englishman Sam Bairstow, Germany's Yannik Paul, and the Danish duo of Thorbjørn Olesen and Jeff Winther. Winther, in particular, made a strong push with a bogey-free 64 in the final round.

The overnight leader, Sweden's Jesper Svensson, struggled on Sunday, carding a disappointing 76 to drop into a tie for 27th place at 8-under par.

This victory marks a significant turnaround for Bradbury, who entered the tournament in 98th place on the Race to Dubai Rankings1. His win not only secures his DP World Tour playing rights for 2025 but also earns him a spot in the season-ending DP World Tour Championship in Dubai.

FedEx Open de France Stories

FedEx Open de France Videos

What’s in the Bag (WITB)

What clubs does Black Desert Championship winner Matt McCarty's play? Winner's bag

Matt McCarty won the Black Desert Championship, marking his first PGA Tour title. His winning bag includes a Ping G430 LST driver, Ping G410 and G430 fairway woods, Ping Blueprint S irons, Ping Glide Forged Pro wedges, a Ping PLD Tyne C putter, TaylorMade TP5 golf balls, and Lamkin Crossline Cord grips. The clubs are designed for performance, featuring advanced technologies for improved distance, control, and feel.

Overheard in the Club House

‘Has Gotten Worse’: Injury Prone Lexi Thompson Makes Concerning Health Update, Delaying Availability Before Retirement

Lexi Thompson has announced a concerning health update regarding her wrist injury, which has worsened recently. She expressed gratitude for the time off but noted the need for recovery before the final events of the 2024 LPGA Tour. Despite her plans to participate in upcoming tournaments, the persistent pain raises doubts about her availability, leaving fans hopeful for her full recovery and continued participation in the sport.

Family affair: Twin sisters reunite as competitors in a 'most fun' round at Golfweek October Classic

Twin sisters Carter and Peyton Sichol reunited as competitors at the Golfweek October Classic, marking their first time playing together in a competitive round since starting college. Both performed well, with Carter shooting an even-par 72 and Peyton a 1-over 73. The experience was memorable for them and their parents, who supported them in a unique way by wearing mismatched clothing representing both schools. They enjoyed the day, filled with laughter and camaraderie, regardless of the competition.

Tiger Woods could be responsible for steering Serena Williams' daughter away from tennis, says her father Alexis Ohanian

Serena Williams' daughter, Olympia, has shifted her focus from tennis to golf, largely influenced by a gift from Tiger Woods. Her father, Alexis Ohanian, has embraced this change, becoming her caddie and supporting her growth in the sport. Despite Williams' hopes for Olympia to pursue tennis, her interest in golf appears to be strong, with her showing steady progress and enjoyment on the course. Ohanian's support and Woods' gesture may have set the stage for Olympia's potential future in golf.

1 'common mistake’ players make before they even swing, Top 100 teacher says

Kevin Sprecher, a GOLF Magazine Top 100 Teacher, highlights a common mistake players make before swinging: setting their feet before positioning the club. He advises players to start too close to the ball and then adjust to a comfortable distance, ensuring better control and accuracy. Additionally, Payne Stewart's tip for checking ball position involves dropping the club from the left hand to see if it lands just above the left knee, indicating the correct distance from the ball.

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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