Planet Golf News for Saturday, December 21, 2024

PGA of America names Derek Sprague its next chief executive officer | Tiger Woods giving son Charlie swing advice after his opening tee shot is what the PNC Championship is all about | At 89, Gary Player is loving life with his new ... girlfriend!

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PGN News Team
December 21, 2024

Saturday, December 21, 2024

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[ THE LEADERBOARD ]

Today’s Top Golf News in Three Minutes

Good Morning,

The golf world has been serving up some top-notch drama, feel-good moments, and a splash of nostalgia this past week. First up, Derek Sprague has been handed the keys to the PGA of America as its new CEO, making history as the first club pro to hold the job in nearly 20 years. No pressure, Derek—just lead over 30,000 PGA members through an industry that’s changing faster than a golfer switching sponsors after missing a cut. Good luck!

Meanwhile, Tiger Woods decided it was time to stretch his legs—literally—and walk all 18 holes at the PNC Championship Pro-Am. This is his big return after back surgery, though let’s not kid ourselves: competitive form isn’t exactly the goal here. It’s all about the father-son bonding, which is adorable, even if it means Tiger has to start losing to Charlie every now and then. Yep, Charlie beat him in a nine-hole match recently, which Tiger was quick to point out hasn’t yet happened over a full 18. Classic dad move.

Over at Golf Channel HQ, the nostalgia train is rolling in with the return of Gary Williams in 2025. He’ll be hosting a new morning show, 5 Clubs, where you can bet he’ll deliver hot takes and cool chats about all things golf. It’s scheduled for January 6, airing at 8 a.m., so set those alarms—or just catch the highlights later like the rest of us.

On the sunny shores of Mauritius, the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open is doing its best to make us jealous of both the golf and the weather. Eddie Pepperell and Hamish Brown are sharing the lead, but young guns like Christo Lamprecht are making things interesting. With a fat prize purse and Race to Dubai perks on the line, the competition is heating up. But let’s be real: half the players probably just came for the beach.

Wilson Golf is making a comeback and trying to convince us it’s still the cool kid in the equipment game. They’re leaning hard into AI and targeting younger golfers, so expect to hear phrases like “custom fitting” and “cutting-edge tech” a lot. They’ve got a big product launch set for January, so we’ll see if this new era comes with anything actually game-changing or just another overpriced driver.

In the LIV Golf universe (because apparently, that’s a thing now), Bryson DeChambeau is packing his bags for India, making his debut at the International Series in January. And Frederik Kjettrup, the latest “promising young talent,” is joining Cleeks GC for 2025. Who knew team names like “Cleeks” would actually become a thing?

On the softer side of the sport, Gary Player, who is somehow still more energetic than most people half his age, has a new girlfriend, Susan Waterfall. Love is clearly keeping him young—or maybe it’s just all those squats he won’t stop talking about. And Tiger Woods and Fred Couples gave us the bromance content we didn’t know we needed at the PNC Championship, proving that even golf can have its sweet moments.

The PNC Championship continues to be a highlight as with his impressive play, showing the kind of promise that makes the rest of us want to hang up our clubs forever. And just in case you weren’t excited enough for January, the TGL’s futuristic SoFi Center is ready to debut with Augusta-grade bunkers and a docuseries that screams, “Look at how cool we are!”

All in all, it’s been a week full of surprises, feel-goods, and a little chaos—just the way we like it. Stay tuned, because golf is proving it’s anything but boring these days.

[ Today’s Top Golf News ] 

Derek Sprague chosen as CEO of PGA of America

Derek Sprague has been appointed as the new CEO of the PGA of America, marking the first time a club professional has held the position in nearly 20 years. He aims to elevate the profession of over 30,000 PGA members during a period of significant change in the golf industry.

Tiger Woods Walks All 18 Holes in Pro-Am Ahead of PNC Championship

Tiger Woods walked 18 holes at the PNC Championship pro-am, marking his return to public golf after recent back surgery. Despite struggles with his leg and back, he aims to bond with his son Charlie during the event, acknowledging he is not in competitive form yet.

Gary Williams to return to Golf Channel in 2025

Gary Williams will return to Golf Channel in 2025 to host "5 Clubs," a morning show featuring discussions with various golf analysts and guests, aiming to engage golf fans with relevant topics. The show debuts on January 6, airing Monday-Wednesday at 8 a.m. ET.

[ Today’s Feature Golf Reads ] 

Major Golf Tournaments happening this weekend

Charlie Woods wearing dad Tiger's TGL team hat at PNC Championship

2024 PNC Championship - Ritz-Carlton Golf Club - Orlando, Grande Lake, FL

The 2024 PNC Championship, held at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club in Orlando, Florida, from December features 20 teams of major champions paired with family members. The tournament, now in its 27th year, employed a 36-hole scramble format over two days.

Tiger Woods and his 15-year-old son Charlie returned for their fifth consecutive appearance, drawing significant attention. In a notable development, Charlie Woods recently beat his father Tiger in a nine-hole match for the first time, though Tiger playfully noted that Charlie hasn't yet bested him over 18 holes.

During the pro-am yesterday, Charlie Woods participated without his father for the first time. He described his performance as "overall solid" despite some erratic drives, and proudly mentioned hitting a 320-yard drive into the wind. Tiger Woods, still recovering from back surgery, managed to walk all 18 holes during the pro-am, a positive sign for his ongoing recovery.

The defending champions were Bernhard Langer and his son Jason, with Bernhard having won the event five times, including three victories with Jason. The tournament's format allowed for five different sets of tees based on age and skill levels of the participants.

Other notable teams in the field include Justin Leonard and his son Luke, John Daly, Annika Sörenstam, Nelly Korda, Nick Faldo, and Nick Price. The event offers a purse of $1,085,000, with the winning team set to split $200,000.

PNC Championship  Stories

PNC Championship  Videos

AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open: Hamish Brown, Eddie Pepperell Share Haltime Lead

AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open - DP World Tour - Mont Choisy Le Golf - Grand Bale, Mauritus

The AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open, the final event of the DP World Tour's Opening Swing, is currently underway at Mont Choisy Le Golf in Grand Baie, Mauritius. This tournament, jointly sanctioned by the DP World Tour and Sunshine Tour, offers a total prize purse of €1.4 million, with the winner set to receive €255,000.

After the second round, young talents Christo Lamprecht and Jacob Skov Olesen have surged into contention. Olesen had initially led after the first round with a flawless 67, featuring an eagle and three birdies. However, Eddie Pepperell made a late charge in the afternoon of day one, finishing with three consecutive birdies to card a 66 and take the lead at six under par.

The tournament holds significant importance as it concludes the Opening Swing of the 2025 Race to Dubai. The overall winner of the Opening Swing will not only receive a US$200,000 bonus but also gain exemption into the DP World Tour's next Rolex Series tournament and other historic events.

AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open  Stories

AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open  Videos

Today’s Best Golf Videos

What’s in the Bag (WITB)

Charlie Woods has prototype driver while Tiger uses last season's model at PNC

Charlie Woods used a new TaylorMade prototype driver at the PNC Championship, while Tiger Woods played with last season's model, as he hadn't tested the new driver yet. Other players, including Nelly Korda and Rory McIlroy, also used the new drivers in recent events.

See what’s in bags of John Daly, John Daly II at 2024 PNC Championship

John Daly and his son, John Daly II, participated in the 2024 PNC Championship with Hooters-sponsored bags. Both are long hitters with distinct club setups: John uses Sub70 and Ping clubs, while his son prefers TaylorMade. They have a history of success in the event, including a win in 2021.

Wilson Golf has iron-clad commitment to get back on top

Wilson Golf, under GM Bob Thurman, is revitalizing its brand and aiming to reclaim its status as a leader in golf equipment by focusing on innovation, technology, and a new marketing campaign targeting younger golfers. A major product launch is set for January 29, leveraging AI for custom fitting and performance enhancement.

Overheard in the Club House

Tiger Woods and Fred Couples bro-ing out at the PNC Championship will make your day

Tiger Woods and Fred Couples shared a joyful reunion at the PNC Championship, with both expressing excitement to compete together. Couples, making his debut in the event, and Woods, who has had limited appearances due to health issues, were seen enjoying each other's company on the range, highlighting their friendship and camaraderie.

Tiger trying to hold off son for 18: 'Day is coming'

Tiger Woods aims to delay the day his son Charlie beats him over 18 holes, having already lost to him over 9. Despite recent back surgery, Woods is excited to compete with Charlie at the PNC Championship, emphasizing the importance of their time together and encouraging Charlie to forge his own path in golf.

At 89, Gary Player is loving life with his new ... girlfriend!

At 89, Gary Player is enjoying life with his new girlfriend, Susan Waterfall, who shares his interests in golf and fitness. After losing his wife in 2021, Player finds companionship important, stating that love keeps one young and wishing everyone could embrace it.

LIV Golf's Cleeks Announce Signing Of Young Dane To Complete 2025 Roster

Frederik Kjettrup, a promising young Danish golfer, has joined Cleeks GC for the 2025 LIV Golf season, completing their roster. Kjettrup has a strong track record, including multiple tournament wins and accolades during his college career at Florida State University. Captain Martin Kaymer expressed excitement about Kjettrup's potential impact on the team.

Bryson DeChambeau Confirmed For Indian Debut In January

Bryson DeChambeau will make his Indian debut at the International Series event from January 30 to February 2, 2025, at DLF Golf and Country Club, marking a significant moment for golf in India and supporting fellow golfer Anirban Lahiri.

Fred Couples called the LIV-PGA Showdown ‘weird.’ Here’s why

Fred Couples found the LIV-PGA Showdown "weird" due to the challenging conditions and his mixed feelings about LIV. Despite his criticisms of LIV, he enjoyed watching the competition between top players from both tours. Couples remains skeptical about LIV's impact on golf but appreciates the talent of its players.

TGL's SoFi Center has the same sand as Augusta National

TGL's SoFi Center, debuting on January 7, features the same sand as Augusta National in its bunkers. Rory McIlroy discusses the unique playing surfaces and the behind-the-scenes docuseries about the creation of his team, which includes notable players like Keegan Bradley and Adam Scott.

Latest Official World Golf Ranking

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Latest FedExCup Standings

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UPCOMING TOURS

PGA TOUR Schedule 2025

Click to see the entire PGA Tour Schedule for 2025 including the Previous winners and Purse.

LIV Golf Schedule 2025

Click to see the entire LIV Tour Schedule for 2025 including the Previous winners and Purse.

LPGA Tour Schedule 2025

Click to see the entire LPGA Tour Schedule for 2025 including the Previous winners and Purse.

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