Planet Golf News for Monday, October 7, 2024

Kevin Yu gets first PGA Tour title in Mississippi and Tyrrell Hatton wins for third time at Dunhill

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PGN News Team
October 07, 2024 • Reading Time: 19 minutes

Monday, October 7, 2024

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Former child prodigy Vilips seals rapid PGA Tour rise

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Today’s Top Golf News in Two Minutes

Good Morning,

This past weekend was a thrilling one for golf, with incredible wins and some nail-biting finishes across multiple tournaments. Let’s dive into the highlights, starting with Tyrrell Hatton, who made history by clinching his third Alfred Dunhill Links Championship title at the iconic St. Andrews. Hatton, who closed with a birdie on the 18th to secure the victory, finished at 24-under-par, tying his own tournament record set in 2017. Despite a shaky back nine that included a double bogey on the 13th, Hatton’s composed birdie on the final hole helped him narrowly edge out Nicolas Colsaerts. What made this win even more special was the presence of his father, watching Hatton win at St. Andrews for the first time.

The weekend also saw Kevin Yu pick up his first PGA Tour title at the Sanderson Farms Championship in Mississippi. Yu, after birdieing the 18th to force a playoff, defeated Beau Hossler with another birdie on the first extra hole. Yu’s win is a significant milestone in his young career, securing him spots in the Masters and PGA Championship, along with a hefty prize and a jump in the FedEx Cup standings. Hossler, unfortunately, fell short yet again in his quest for a first PGA Tour win, but Yu’s victory, with his parents cheering him on, showed how much family support matters in this sport.

On the PGA Tour Champions circuit, Rocco Mediate also had a weekend to remember at the Constellation FURYK & FRIENDS event in Jacksonville. Mediate, who hasn’t won since 2019, pulled off a dramatic playoff victory over Bob Estes, marking his fifth Champions Tour title. Mediate, now 61, became one of the few players to win tournaments across five different decades, a testament to his longevity and skill. The back-and-forth battle with Estes, including some clutch par saves in the playoff, made this victory even sweeter.

Meanwhile, Braden Thornberry had his breakthrough moment at the Korn Ferry Tour Championship in Indiana, securing his first Korn Ferry Tour win and, more importantly, a PGA Tour card for 2025. Thornberry’s final-round 66 was enough to edge out a crowded leaderboard, capping off an emotional week where he credited his father for motivating him to push through the pressure. It’s a momentous step in his career, and he now joins 29 other players who earned their PGA Tour cards for next season.

It wasn’t all about the winners, though. Ryan Fox narrowly missed a top-10 finish at the Sanderson Farms Championship but moved up the FedEx Cup standings, bringing him closer to retaining his PGA Tour card. Alex Smalley’s charitable efforts also stood out, as he pledged donations for hurricane relief with every birdie and eagle he made, lighting up the course with a stunning 63.

And finally, the drama continued on the course. At the Sanderson Farms Championship, Beau Hossler was involved in a tense rules controversy on the 72nd hole when he was denied a free drop under the Temporary Immovable Obstruction rules, adding a bit of off-course spice to an already exciting tournament.

Overall, it was a weekend filled with emotional victories, family moments, and some thrilling golf across multiple tours. Whether it was Kevin Yu breaking through for his first win, Tyrrell Hatton making history, or Rocco Mediate proving age is just a number, the weekend was one to remember for golf fans.

[ Today’s Top Golf News ] 

Tyrrell Hatton Wins Record Third Alfred Dunhill Links Championship Title Via 72nd-Hole Birdie At St Andrews

Tyrrell Hatton won his third Alfred Dunhill Links Championship title at St Andrews, finishing with a final round of 70 and a total score of 24-under, narrowly defeating Nicolas Colsaerts. Despite a shaky back nine where he lost a three-stroke lead, Hatton secured victory with a crucial birdie on the 18th hole. This win, witnessed by his father for the first time, holds special significance for Hatton, who also qualified for the DP World Tour playoffs. The team event was won by Thorbjorn Olesen and Dermont Desmond, who finished two strokes ahead of Hatton and his father.

Kevin Yu birdies 18th twice and wins Sanderson Farms in playoff for first PGA Tour title

Kevin Yu won the Sanderson Farms Championship, securing his first PGA Tour title by making a birdie on the 18th hole in regulation and again in a playoff against Beau Hossler. Yu finished with a score of 23-under 265, while Hossler, who also shot 68, faced disappointment in his 200th PGA Tour start without a win. Yu's victory qualifies him for the Masters and the PGA Championship, marking a significant milestone in his career.

Major Golf Tournaments happening this past weekend

Sanderson Farm Championship - PGA Tour - Country Club of Jackson - Jackson, MS

On Sunday Kevin Yu emerged victorious at the Sanderson Farms Championship, securing his first PGA Tour win in dramatic fashion at the Country Club of Jackson in Jackson, Mississippi. The 26-year-old Arizona State alum clinched the title by defeating Beau Hossler in a playoff, birdieing the 72nd hole to tie the lead and then delivering a stunning approach shot on the first playoff hole.

Yu's triumph came as a surprise to many, as Keith Mitchell and Beau Hossler had been battling for the lead throughout the final round. However, Yu's clutch 15-foot putt on the 72nd hole put him in contention at 23-under par. Mitchell faltered on the final hole, missing out on the playoff, while Hossler managed to force extra holes with a remarkable up-and-down for par.

In the playoff, Yu capitalized on Hossler's errant drive, hitting his approach to within six feet of the pin and sinking the birdie putt for the win. This victory not only marks Yu's first PGA Tour title but also secures his tour membership through 2026.

For his efforts, Yu took home a substantial prize of $1,368,000 and moved up to 60th place in the FedEx Cup standings. This position is crucial as it guarantees him spots in two signature events in 2025: the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and the Genesis Invitational.

Beau Hossler finished as the runner-up, earning $828,400, while Lucas Glover and Keith Mitchell tied for third place, each receiving $448,400. The tournament, with its $7.6 million purse, showcased intense competition and provided a significant boost to Yu's career as he claimed his maiden PGA Tour victory.

Kevin Yu parks in winner's circle in playoff victory at Sanderson Farms Championship

Kevin Yu won his first PGA TOUR title at the Sanderson Farms Championship, overcoming Beau Hossler in a playoff. His victory, marked by a birdie on the first extra hole, was celebrated with his parents present, highlighting the importance of family support in his journey. Yu's win is significant as he becomes the third player from Chinese Taipei to win on the TOUR, inspiring future generations with his story of hard work and perseverance.

Leader denied 'unreasonable' free drop on 72nd hole after bizarre TIO rules debate

Beau Hossler faced a controversial rules debate during the 72nd hole of the Sanderson Farms Championship when he was denied a free drop under Temporary Immovable Obstruction (TIO) rules. Despite being tied for the lead, Hossler's ball was positioned against a tree trunk, and his request for relief was deemed unreasonable by the rules officials, leading him to punch out and ultimately finish in second place after a playoff.

Fox narrowly misses top 10 finish, makes progress to retaining PGA Tour card

Ryan Fox finished tied for 11th at the Sanderson Farms Championship, moving up to 102nd in the FedEx Cup standings, which is crucial for retaining his PGA Tour card. Despite a strong performance with only one bogey, he missed the top 10 by one shot. Fox is optimistic about his recovery from a hip injury and aims to secure his Tour card in the upcoming tournaments.

Alex Smalley shoots season-low 63 after pledging to hurricane relief in North Carolina

Alex Smalley, a North Carolina native, pledged to donate $100 for each birdie and $250 for each eagle to hurricane relief efforts following Hurricane Helene. He shot a season-low 63 with five birdies and two eagles during the Sanderson Farms Championship, expressing hope that his contributions could aid affected communities. Smalley's performance is expected to improve his standing in the FedExCup rankings as he continues his charitable efforts over the next few weeks.

Sanderson Farms Championship Videos

On Sunday, October 6, 2024, England's Tyrrell Hatton clinched the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship title for a record third time at St. Andrews, Scotland. Hatton secured his victory with a birdie on the 18th hole of the Old Course, finishing at 24-under-par and matching the tournament record he set in 2017. This win marks Hatton's seventh DP World Tour success and his first European Tour victory since 2021.

The tournament, which is played across three renowned Scottish courses - St. Andrews, Carnoustie, and Kingsbarns - saw Hatton edge out Belgium's Nicolas Colsaerts by a single shot. Both players were tied at 23-under going into the final hole, but Hatton's clutch birdie putt from 4 feet sealed the deal. Colsaerts finished in second place, while England's Tommy Fleetwood took third place at 21-under.

Hatton's performance was particularly impressive, as he tied the course record at St. Andrews with a third-round 61 on Saturday. This victory not only secures Hatton's place in the DP World Tour season finale but also boosts his position in the Official World Golf Rankings to 20th. The win comes with a prize of $800,000 out of the total $5 million purse.

This unique event pairs professional golfers with amateurs from the worlds of celebrity and business, adding an extra layer of interest to the competition. Notably, Hatton played alongside his father throughout the tournament, making this victory even more special for the English golfer.

Tyrrell Hatton secures record-setting victory at Alfred Dunhill Links Championship

Tyrrell Hatton won the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship for a record third time at St Andrews, finishing 24 under par after a closing 70. Despite a late double bogey on the 13th, he birdied the 18th to secure victory over Belgium’s Nicolas Colsaerts. Hatton expressed the significance of the win, especially with his father present, and highlighted the motivation to perform well to attend his teammate's upcoming wedding. Colsaerts reflected on missed opportunities but felt proud of his performance.

Desmond claims Alfred Dunhill Links pro-am team title alongside Olesen

Irish businessman Dermot Desmond won his second Alfred Dunhill Links pro-am title alongside Denmark's Thorbjorn Olesen, finishing with a combined score of -48. Tyrrell Hatton made history by winning the singles event for the third time, finishing with a total of -24. Hatton expressed joy over his win, especially with his father present, while other notable players included Shane Lowry and Rory McIlroy, who finished T12 and joint-25th respectively.

Constellation FURYK & FRIENDS - PGA Tour Champions - Timuquana Country Club - Jacksonville, FL

Rocco Mediate emerged victorious at the Constellation FURYK & FRIENDS tournament on the PGA Tour Champions at Timuquana Country Club in Jacksonville, Florida. The 61-year-old Mediate secured his fifth title on the 50-and-older circuit after a dramatic playoff against Bob Estes.

Mediate closed with a 1-under 71 in the final round, finishing at 12-under 204 for the tournament. The victory didn't come easily, as Mediate held a three-shot lead with four holes to play but found himself tied with Estes two holes later. On the 18th hole, Mediate missed a 4-foot par putt that would have won the tournament in regulation, forcing a playoff.

In the playoff, both players made par on the first extra hole, with Mediate sinking a crucial 10-foot par putt to extend the contest. On the second playoff hole, Mediate secured the win by making a 4-foot par putt after Estes missed his 15-foot attempt.

This victory marks a significant milestone for Mediate, as he has now won PGA Tour-sanctioned events in five different decades - his 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, and 60s. His first tour victory came at the 1991 Doral-Ryder Open, also won in a playoff. Mediate expressed his satisfaction with achieving his goal of winning in his 60s, calling it "amazing" and noting that it had been "forever" since his last win.

For Bob Estes, who finished runner-up, the tournament represented a missed opportunity to claim his first PGA Tour Champions title.

Rocco Mediate beats Bob Estes in playoff to win Furyk & Friends

Rocco Mediate won the Constellation Furyk & Friends tournament by defeating Bob Estes in a playoff after both players finished tied at 12-under 204. Mediate secured the victory on the second playoff hole, marking his fifth title on the PGA Tour Champions and his first since 2019. The final round featured a back-and-forth battle, with Mediate and Estes tied through 11 holes before Mediate pulled ahead with birdies on Nos. 12 and 13. Australian Greg Chalmers finished third at 10 under.

Constellation FURYK & FRIENDS Videos

Korn Ferry Tour Championship - Korn Ferry - French Lick Golf Resort - French Lick, IN

Braden Thornberry emerged victorious at the Korn Ferry Tour Championship held at the French Lick Golf Resort in French Lick, Indiana. Thornberry secured his first Korn Ferry Tour title with an impressive final round of 6-under 66, including a crucial birdie on the last hole. This win was particularly significant as it propelled Thornberry from 51st to inside the top 30 in the Korn Ferry Tour standings, earning him a PGA Tour card for the upcoming season.

Thornberry's victory came by a narrow margin of one stroke over a trio of players: Brian Campbell, Alistair Docherty, and Doc Redman, who all tied for second place. Campbell had already secured his PGA Tour card prior to this event, while Docherty and Redman narrowly missed out on earning theirs.

The tournament was filled with drama, especially for players on the bubble of earning PGA Tour cards. Noah Goodwin managed to claim the 30th and final PGA Tour card despite finishing 44th in the tournament, edging out Sam Bennett by a mere 20 points in the overall standings.

This event marked the culmination of the Korn Ferry Tour season, with the top 30 players in the points list earning PGA Tour cards for the 2025 season. Matt McCarty, who wasn't present at the tournament, had already secured his PGA Tour card and finished atop the Korn Ferry Tour standings for 2024 with three victories earlier in the season.

Braden Thornberry wins Korn Ferry Tour Championship to snag 2025 PGA Tour card

Braden Thornberry won the Korn Ferry Tour Championship, securing a PGA Tour card for the 2025 season. Starting the week ranked 51st, he achieved a final-round score of 66, finishing at 9 under and moving to 16th in points. This victory marks his first Tour card, highlighting his journey since turning pro five years ago. Thornberry credited his father's encouragement for his performance and noted the emotional significance of winning and earning a Tour card on the same day.

These 30 Korn Ferry Tour players just earned their 2025 PGA Tour cards

Thirty players from the Korn Ferry Tour have secured their PGA Tour cards for 2025, following a dramatic final event in Indiana. Braden Thornberry won the championship, which allowed him and others to qualify for the PGA Tour, while the final card was determined by a tense finish involving Brian Campbell and Noah Goodwin. The complete list of graduates includes notable names such as Matt McCarty, Max McGreevy, and Frankie Capan III.

Aussies on Tour: Rising stars secure major US Tour cards

Two Australian golfers, Karl Vilips and Cassie Porter, have secured their spots on major US Tours for 2025 following impressive performances in the Korn Ferry and Epson Tours. Vilips finished 19th in the Korn Ferry Tour points list after a strong finish, while Porter claimed the 10th LPGA Tour card by moving into the top 10 during the Epson Tour Championship. Both athletes have shown significant promise, with Vilips previously winning the Utah Championship and Porter achieving a breakthrough victory earlier in the season.

Korn Ferry Tour Championship Videos

What’s in the Bag (WITB)

The clubs Kevin Yu used to win the 2024 Sanderson Farms Championship

Kevin Yu won the 2024 Sanderson Farms Championship after a break from golf, showcasing exceptional putting skills. His winning clubs included a Callaway driver, Srixon and Callaway irons, and various wedges, with a notable performance in strokes gained/putting, leading to a total of 28 birdies during the tournament.

Overheard in the Club House

'Blow it up': Scottish pro goes off on St. Andrews' most famous hole

Robert MacIntyre criticized the famous "Road Hole" at St. Andrews, calling it a terrible hole that should be "blown up." He expressed frustration after struggling on the hole during the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, where it played as the toughest hole of the week. MacIntyre's comments reflect his belief that the hole does not allow for proper golf shots and should be redesigned to enhance playability.

Asia-Pacific Amateur Champion Confirms He Will Give Up Major Starts In Favor Of Immediate DP World Tour Chance

Wenyi Ding, the Asia-Pacific Amateur champion, has decided to turn professional and join the DP World Tour, foregoing guaranteed starts at the 2025 Masters and The Open Championship. After winning his title in Japan, Ding emphasized that the opportunity to start his professional career outweighed the chance to compete in the majors as an amateur. He expressed gratitude for his last amateur event and acknowledged the pressure of the situation, aiming to improve and make the cut in future tournaments.

“Not again”: Nelly Korda shares hilarious meme to rant about Sarasota weather

Nelly Korda humorously reacted to the impending Tropical Storm Milton by sharing a meme on Instagram, expressing her frustration with the weather in Sarasota, Florida. Despite her break from competitive golf, she continues to practice while facing challenging weather conditions, preparing for her upcoming participation in the BMW Ladies Championship in South Korea.

How Many College Golfers Are There In The US?

In the US, approximately 223,000 high school golfers compete, but only around 20,000 advance to college golf across various divisions, including NCAA, NAIA, and NJCAA. The NCAA Division I represents the highest level of competition, with only 2,941 men and 2,220 women participating in 2021, making the odds of reaching this level about one in 43 for high school golfers. College golf serves as a crucial pathway to professional opportunities, with notable players like Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson having emerged from this system.

After Xander Schauffele Made Tom Kim Apologize Profusely, Ugly Conduct of Team USA Revealed by Insider: 'Got Personal'

The 2024 Presidents Cup featured intense moments, particularly involving Tom Kim and the U.S. team, as insider Paul Tesori revealed instances of personal attacks and cursing directed at Kim. Despite the heated exchanges, Kim later apologized to Xander Schauffele and Jim Furyk, expressing regret for any misunderstandings. Tesori emphasized the importance of handling such situations internally rather than publicly, suggesting it was a learning experience for Kim. Overall, the event was marked by drama and personal growth for the young golfer.

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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