Planet Golf News for Monday, September 23, 2024

Lydia Ko wins again at Kroger Queen City Championship, puts an end to retirement talk – for now | Rory McIlroy leaves with his ‘head held high’ as Billy Horschel swoops for BMW PGA glory

Author

PGN News Team
September 23, 2024

Monday, September 23, 2024

PlanetGolfNews + Marie Birdie

Marie Birdie is a clothing brand dedicated to providing young women with the sense of empowerment and individuality.

Lydia Ko blitzes rivals to win 22nd LPGA Tour title

[ THE LEADERBOARD ]

Today’s Top Golf News in Two Minutes

Good Morning,

This past weekend was nothing short of spectacular for golf fans, with a series of dramatic victories that showcased the sport’s finest talent across different tours.

Lydia Ko once again proved why she’s one of the best in women’s golf, dominating the 2024 Kroger Queen City Championship with a record-breaking performance. Her bogey-free final round of 9-under 63 secured her third LPGA title of the season and her 22nd career victory. This win not only silenced rumors of retirement but reignited her quest for a career grand slam. With Jeeno Thitikul and Haeran Ryu trailing behind in second and third, Ko's impressive form continues as she heads to her next challenge on the KLPGA tour in Korea.

On the DP World Tour, Billy Horschel made history at the BMW PGA Championship by becoming the first American to win the prestigious event twice. His victory didn’t come easy—he faced a tough playoff against Rory McIlroy and Thriston Lawrence, sealing the win with a thrilling eagle on the second hole of sudden death. Horschel’s calm under pressure paid off, while McIlroy, despite another near-miss, remains focused on the challenges ahead.

The LIV Golf Team Championship in Dallas wrapped up its season with a bang, as Cameron Smith’s all-Australian squad, Ripper GC, triumphed over some of the world’s best teams. Fans flocked to the Maridoe Golf Club for a weekend filled with excitement, despite competing NFL games. The Aussies clinched the $14 million top prize, making it a perfect end to a fantastic LIV season. The event’s growing popularity has solidified its return for 2025, with the North Texas fans eager for more.

Over at Pebble Beach, Paul Broadhurst secured his second PGA Tour Champions win of the year at the PURE Insurance Championship. Broadhurst maintained his composure in the final round despite a challenge from Alex Cejka, holding on to win by three strokes. The tournament also celebrated young talent, as First Tee juniors played alongside the pros, with Nicole Iniakov making headlines for her incredible hole-in-one at the 17th.

In Columbus, Ohio, Frankie Capan III won his first Korn Ferry Tour title at the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Championship, capping off an impressive season. Capan’s victory was hard-earned, as he battled strong winds and intense competition, but his composure on the course ensured he finished two strokes ahead. With his PGA Tour card for 2025 already secured, Capan looks forward to making his mark in the big leagues.

As the dust settles on these epic showdowns, all eyes turn to the upcoming Presidents Cup at Royal Montreal Golf Club. With captains Mike Weir and Jim Furyk leading their squads, the stage is set for an exciting week of match play. The International team, featuring stars like Adam Scott and Jason Day, will look to challenge the dominant U.S. team in what promises to be a thrilling competition.

Golf continues to deliver unforgettable moments, and with so much talent on display, fans have plenty to look forward to in the coming weeks.

[ Today’s Top Golf News ] 

Lydia Ko’s outstanding performance sees her run away with victory at Kroger Queen City Championship

Lydia Ko achieved a remarkable victory at the Kroger Queen City Championship, marking her third win of 2024 and 22nd career LPGA title. She finished the tournament with a bogey-free 9-under 63, totaling 23-under overall. Despite speculation about her retirement after winning the AIG Women’s Open, Ko expressed her desire to pursue a career grand slam. Jeeno Thitikul and Haeran Ryu followed in second and third place, respectively. Ko will next compete in Korea on the KLPGA tour.

Billy Horschel's eagle seals BMW PGA Championship win in playoff with McIlroy

Billy Horschel won the BMW PGA Championship, becoming the first American to win it twice, by defeating Rory McIlroy in a playoff with a decisive eagle on the second hole. Both players had carded 5-under 67s to enter a three-way playoff, where McIlroy ultimately lost after Horschel made a birdie. Horschel expressed his enjoyment of the tournament and his comfort in England, while McIlroy noted the high competition level and his recent near-misses.

LIV Golf Threw a Texas-Sized Party for Its Team Championship, and Fans Turned Out

At the LIV Golf Team Championship in Dallas, commissioner Greg Norman celebrated a successful Year 3, highlighting the event's popularity among North Texas fans, who showed strong support despite NFL games. The all-Australian team Ripper GC won the championship, and the event's success has led to plans for a return to Maridoe Golf Club in 2025. Fans enjoyed a vibrant atmosphere with activities and a competitive leaderboard featuring several major champions.

[ Today’s Feature Golf Reads ] 

Major Golf Tournaments happening this past weekend

Kroger Queen City Championship - LPGA - TPC River’s Bend - Maineville, OH

The 2024 Kroger Queen City Championship presented by P&G concluded yesterday at TPC River's Bend in Maineville, Ohio, with Lydia Ko securing a spectacular victory. Ko stormed back to claim her 22nd LPGA Tour title, firing a tournament-record 63 in the final round. This impressive performance allowed her to pull away from the competition and capture her third LPGA title of the year.

Ko's final score of -23 put her well ahead of her closest competitor, Jeeno Thitikul, who finished at -18. Haeran Ryu took third place at -17, followed by Yuka Saso in fourth at -16. Nelly Korda was among those tied for fifth place.

The tournament, now in its third year, saw intense competition throughout the four days of play. Ashleigh Buhai of South Africa had taken an early lead after the first round, but Ko's exceptional final round performance ultimately sealed her victory.

This win continues Ko's impressive streak in 2024, further solidifying her position as one of the top players on the LPGA Tour. The Kroger Queen City Championship has once again provided an exciting showcase of world-class golf talent, with Ko's record-breaking performance likely to be remembered as a highlight of the 2024 LPGA season.

Lydia Ko wins again at Kroger Queen City Championship, puts an end to retirement talk – for now

Lydia Ko won the 2024 Kroger Queen City Championship by five strokes, marking her third LPGA win of the season and extending her top-10 streak to five consecutive starts. She expressed a desire to achieve a career grand slam and dismissed retirement talks for now, focusing instead on her competitive goals. Ko, now a member of the LPGA Hall of Fame, plans to compete next in South Korea at the KLPGA's Hana Financial Group Championship.

Kroger Queen City Championship Videos

PURE Insurance Championship - Champions Tour - Spyglass Hill GC - Pebble Beach, CA

The 2024 PURE Insurance Championship at Pebble Beach Golf Links and Spyglass Hill Golf Course concluded yesterday with Paul Broadhurst emerging as the champion. Broadhurst secured his second PGA Tour Champions victory this year, finishing with an even-par 72 in the final round to claim a three-shot victory.

The tournament, which pairs PGA TOUR Champions professionals with First Tee juniors and amateurs, saw some exciting moments throughout the three-day event. Broadhurst started the final round with a five-shot lead, which he extended to six at one point. However, Alex Cejka's impressive 64 in the final round narrowed the gap to just two shots, creating some tension before Broadhurst ultimately held on for the win.

In the junior portion of the competition, 80 First Tee participants aged 15-18 were selected to play alongside the professionals. The event showcased not only golfing talent but also the personal growth and development of these young players through First Tee's programs.

Paul Broadhurst holds on to win PURE Insurance Championship for second title of year

Paul Broadhurst secured his second PGA TOUR Champions title of the year by winning the PURE Insurance Championship at Pebble Beach with a final score of 14-under 202. Despite a five-shot lead shrinking to two, he maintained composure, making a crucial birdie on the 18th hole. Broadhurst's victory adds to his earlier win at the Invited Celebrity Classic and elevates him to No. 8 in the Charles Schwab Cup standings.

Junior aces par-3 17th at Pebble Beach in winning First Tee portion of Champions event

Nicole Iniakov achieved a hole-in-one at the par-3 17th hole of Pebble Beach Golf Links, leading her to win the girls’ First Tee division at the Pure Insurance Championship, alongside Hall of Famer Ernie Els, with a total score of 23 under par.

LIV Dallas - Match Play and LIV Golf Dallas Stroke Play - Maridoe Golf Club - Carrollton, TX

The 2024 LIV Golf season concluded with a thrilling finale at the LIV Golf Dallas Team Championship held at Maridoe Golf Club in Carrollton, Texas. After three days of intense competition featuring match play and stroke play formats, Cameron Smith's Ripper GC emerged victorious, claiming the team championship title and the $14 million top prize.

The tournament began on Friday with quarterfinal matches, followed by Saturday's semifinals. The top three seeded teams - Crushers GC, Legion XIII, and Ripper GC - received byes into the semifinals. Sunday's final round featured all 13 teams competing in stroke play across three tiers, with all four individual scores counting towards each team's total.

As the final day unfolded, the competition remained incredibly close, with every team still in contention with just a few holes left to play. However, it was the all-Australian Ripper GC, led by Cameron Smith and featuring Lucas Herbert, Marc Leishman, and Matt Jones, that ultimately secured the victory.

The win marks a significant achievement for Ripper GC, who entered the tournament as the third seed. Their triumph over the defending champions Crushers GC, led by Bryson DeChambeau, and the top-seeded Legion XIII, captained by individual champion Jon Rahm, adds to the excitement of their victory.

This year's Team Championship featured a format tweak that allowed team captains more flexibility in selecting players for singles and foursomes matches, adding an extra layer of strategy to the competition. The event, played at the challenging Maridoe Golf Club, showcased the course's unique "movable" design, which Bryson DeChambeau described as a "fantastic links-style" layout that changes daily.

The LIV Golf Dallas Team Championship marked the end of LIV Golf's second full League season and third overall, concluding a year of intense competition and setting the stage for the 2025 season, with the first four tournaments already announced.

Aussies end LIV Golf season as top team with Cam Smith’s Ripper squad taking home $14 million

The Ripper GC team, led by Cam Smith, won the LIV Golf season finale in Dallas, securing a $14 million prize. Despite challenges like high temperatures and unexpected outcomes, Ripper GC finished strong with a three-shot victory over the 4Aces. The tournament highlighted the team's camaraderie and competitive spirit, with Smith and Herbert performing notably well. The league continues to emphasize its unique team format, and the Ripper squad looks forward to upcoming events in Australia.

$218m-worth Jon Rahm cheers on team at LIV Dallas after sickness ends his season

Jon Rahm withdrew from the LIV Golf Dallas Team Championship due to severe flu-like symptoms, leading to John Catlin replacing him in the Legion XIII team. Despite Rahm's absence, Legion XIII won their semi-final match. Rahm, valued at $218 million, had a successful season, winning the individual championship and expressing support for his team via social media. Tyrrell Hatton, who took over as team leader, acknowledged Rahm's exceptional talent and the team's determination to perform well in his absence.

BMW PGA Championship - DP World Tour - Wentworth Golf Club - Surrey, England

The 2024 BMW PGA Championship, the DP World Tour's flagship event, concluded yesterday at Wentworth Golf Club in Surrey, England, with a thrilling finish. American golfer Billy Horschel emerged victorious after a dramatic sudden-death playoff against Rory McIlroy and Thriston Lawrence.

Horschel's win marks a significant milestone, as he becomes the first American to win the BMW PGA Championship twice. This achievement adds to his previous victory at the same event, solidifying his place in the tournament's history. The final round was memorable, with Horschel showcasing his skill and composure to clinch the title.

For Rory McIlroy, it was another near-miss at Wentworth, as he finished in second place once again. The Northern Irish star put up a strong fight but ultimately fell short in the playoff. South African Thriston Lawrence also participated in the playoff, adding to the international flavor of the competition.

The tournament, celebrating its 20th anniversary under BMW sponsorship, lived up to expectations with its exciting conclusion. Horschel's victory earned him a substantial prize of €1,370,338.38, reflecting the prestigious nature of the event.

Rory McIlroy Loses BMW PGA Championship; Horschel Wins $1.53M Prize Money in Playoff

Rory McIlroy lost the BMW PGA Championship to Billy Horschel in a playoff, earning $990,000 for his second-place finish. Despite recent close calls, McIlroy remains optimistic about his performance and looks forward to upcoming tournaments, including the Dunhill Links Championship in October.

Rory McIlroy: 'The game is testing me' - world number three on play-off agony at Wentworth

Rory McIlroy expressed optimism despite a play-off defeat at the BMW PGA Championship, marking another near miss in 2024. He reflected on his recent performances, acknowledging the challenges but remaining positive about his game. McIlroy emphasized the importance of consistency and looks forward to future opportunities, viewing his career as a long journey with many chances ahead.

Horschel 'feels' for McIlroy after dramatic play-off win at Wentworth

Billy Horschel won the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth, defeating Rory McIlroy in a dramatic play-off after both finished tied at 20 under par. Horschel's eagle on the second play-off hole secured his victory, while McIlroy, reflecting on his recent near-misses, expressed disappointment but remained optimistic about future tournaments. Horschel sympathized with McIlroy, acknowledging his talent and the challenges he faced throughout the year.

Nationwide Children’s Hospital Championship - Korn Ferry Tour - OSU Golf Club - Columbus, OH

The 2024 Nationwide Children's Hospital Championship, a Korn Ferry Tour event, concluded Sunday at The Ohio State University Golf Club's Scarlet Course in Columbus, Ohio. Frankie Capan III from North Oaks emerged victorious, securing his first win on the Korn Ferry Tour. Capan finished the tournament at 13 under par, closing with a final round of 1-under 70 to win by two strokes.

Capan's victory came on the heels of already earning his PGA Tour card for the 2025 season, which he secured last week through his consistent performance on the Korn Ferry Tour. Throughout the tournament, Capan displayed impressive golf, shooting rounds of 68, 67, and 66 in the first three days before closing out with his 70 on Sunday.

The win solidifies Capan's strong season on the Korn Ferry Tour, where he has accumulated 10 top-25 finishes and five top-10 finishes. This victory at the Nationwide Children's Hospital Championship marks a significant milestone in his career and adds to his previous second-place finishes at the Visit Knoxville Open in May and the Magnit Championship last month.

The Nationwide Children's Hospital Championship is one of three Korn Ferry Tour Finals events that play a crucial role in determining PGA Tour membership for the upcoming season.

This event is particularly important as it helps determine the final PGA Tour cards for the next season, with the top performers in the Korn Ferry Tour Finals securing their spots on the PGA Tour.

Frankie Capan III withstands wind to win Nationwide Children's Hospital Championship

Frankie Capan III won the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Championship by two strokes, ending a 55-tournament winless streak. Despite challenging weather conditions, including strong winds, Capan maintained his composure and secured the victory with a final score of 13-under par. This win earned him $270,000 and solidified his position on the Korn Ferry Tour, where he is ranked fifth in points and has already secured his PGA Tour card for the upcoming season.

Matt McCarty clinches Korn Ferry Tour No. 1, qualifies for THE PLAYERS, U.S. Open

Matt McCarty secured the No. 1 position on the Korn Ferry Tour, qualifying for THE PLAYERS Championship and the U.S. Open after finishing tied for fifth at the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Championship. With a significant lead over second place, McCarty's successful season included three victories, making him the first player since 2016 to achieve this. His performance has earned him full exemption on the 2025 PGA TOUR and direct access to major events, marking a significant turnaround after previous challenges in his career.

Upcoming this week: The Presidents Cup - PGA Tour - The Royal Montreal Golf Club - Montreal, PQ

The 2024 Presidents Cup is set to take place from September 24-29 at The Royal Montreal Golf Club in Montreal, Quebec. Both the International and U.S. teams have finalized their 12-man rosters, with captains Mike Weir and Jim Furyk announcing their six wildcard picks each to complement the six automatic qualifiers.

2024 Presidents Cup shines a spotlight on Royal Montreal Golf Club for the first time in a decade

The 2024 Presidents Cup at Royal Montreal Golf Club marks its first hosting in a decade, showcasing the club's rich history and championship courses. The Blue Course, designed by Dick Wilson and updated by Rees Jones, features challenging holes with water hazards that will impact match play. The tournament will include various match formats from September 26 to 29, with a focus on the strategic importance of par 3s and the potential for an upset by the International Team.

Adam Scott went to his first Ryder Cup in Rome and came away with plenty of thoughts on how to win the Presidents Cup

Adam Scott reflects on his first Ryder Cup experience and shares insights for the upcoming Presidents Cup, emphasizing the importance of preparation and team bonding. He notes the contrasting approaches of the European and American teams, highlighting the need for the International team to be well-prepared. Despite being the underdogs, Scott expresses optimism about the team's depth and the home advantage in Montreal, while also aiming for his first Presidents Cup victory, a significant gap in his career achievements.

Everything you need to know as Aussie big guns take aim at dominant US in Presidents Cup

The Presidents Cup will take place at Royal Montreal Golf Club, featuring Australian players Adam Scott, Jason Day, and Min Woo Lee aiming to challenge the dominant US team. The competition format includes four-ball and foursomes matches, leading to singles on the final day. The course is known for its challenging layout, particularly on the back nine. Coverage will be live on Fox Sports and Kayo Sports from September 27 to 30, 2024.

Today’s Best Golf Videos

What’s in the Bag (WITB)

Billy Horschel WITB for BMW PGA Championship 2024: Tour Pro's Golf Arsenal Explored

Billy Horschel, currently ranked 24th in the OWGR, has made a notable comeback by winning the 2024 Corales Puntacana Championship and the BMW PGA Championship. His golf bag features heavily Titleist equipment, including a GT3 Driver, TSi2 Fairway Woods, T100 and 620 MB irons, and Vokey Design wedges. He uses a PING putter and Titleist Pro V1x golf balls, showcasing a blend of performance and personal preference in his gear.

Latest Official World Golf Ranking

Click HERE for the latest Official World Golf Ranking

Latest FedExCup Standings

Click HERE for the latest Official World Golf Ranking

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.

Marie Birdie is a female-founded and owned golf and active wear brand for tween and teen girls. Our mission is to inspire, delight, and empower girls to enjoy an active lifestyle while playing golf.

Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up HERE for FREE