Planet Golf News for Saturday, February 22, 2025

Los Angeles Golf Club signs high-profile fill-in for TGL match Monday | Tiger Woods drops out of next TGL match | Aldrich Potgieter, 20, jumps into Mexico Open lead with 61 | LPGA rookie Akie Iwai maintains 2-shot lead in Thailand

Saturday, February 22, 2025

PlanetGolfNews + Marie Birdie

Marie Birdie is a clothing brand dedicated to providing young women with the sense of empowerment and individuality. Now available at select PGA Tour Superstores. NOW OPEN the Marie Birdie Store @ 7170 S Dixie Highway in West Palm Beach, FL

[ THE LEADERBOARD ]

Today’s Top Golf News in Three Minutes

Good Morning,

What a wild Friday in the golf world—rookies on fire, legends stepping back, and even a 12-handicapper beating a pro. Let’s dive in.

First off, Aldrich Potgieter is out here casually tying course records at the Mexico Open with a 61, because apparently, being a 20-year-old rookie means defying logic and smashing 331-yard drives. He leads by four shots and seems poised to make the rest of the field question their life choices. Meanwhile, Stephan Jaeger and Brian Campbell are trailing but not out of the race… yet. Sadly, the cut line claimed a few notable names, leaving them to contemplate their weekend plans away from the course.

Over in Thailand, Akie Iwai continues to make everyone wonder where she’s been hiding, backing up a 62 with a 67 to lead the Honda LPGA Thailand. Angel Yin, in classic “I’m totally fine but also panicking” mode, fired a 64 while grappling with leaderboard obsession. Jeeno Thitikul, Thailand’s pride, thrilled the home crowd with an 8-under round that had everyone wondering if she was playing a different course entirely.

Tony Finau has decided to be the TGL’s superhero-for-hire, joining Los Angeles Golf Club for one crucial match. With a playoff spot on the line, Finau’s ready to bring the heat—no pressure, Tony. Meanwhile, Tiger Woods continues to keep us guessing. He’s skipping Jupiter Links’ next match, leaving fans both worried about his return and appreciative of the drama he always brings.

Kenya offered its own surprises at the Magical Kenya Open, where John Parry leads at the halfway mark. And let’s not overlook 15-year-old Shashwat Harish, who wowed the home crowd just by being there—and shooting better than most people three times his age.

Elsewhere, Ludvig Aberg made headlines for switching drivers mid-tournament like he was picking a new Netflix show—still winning, of course. And in the realm of “Wait, what?” Marc Leishman tied a course record but lost to a 12-handicapper named David Greed. (Seriously, you can’t script that.)

On the equipment and apparel side, golf brands continue to tempt wallets with everything from the latest putters to limited-edition “Prickly Pear” Nikes, which are almost sold out—because apparently, people love cacti-themed shoes.

Lastly, Lucas Glover took a swing at the PGA Tour leadership, questioning why they have a board at all. Honestly, Lucas, you’re saying what everyone’s thinking.

So, whether you’re in it for the rookies making waves, legends taking breathers, or just here for the drama, this week in golf didn’t disappoint. Stay tuned—something tells me it’s only going to get weirder.

Today’s Top Golf News 

Major Golf Tournaments happening this week

South Africa's Potgieter fires 61 to grab PGA Mexico Open lead

Mexico Open at VidantaWorld - PGA Tour - Vidanta Vallerta - Nuevo Vallerta, Mexico

The second round of the Mexico Open at VidantaWorld saw an impressive performance from PGA Tour rookie Aldrich Potgieter. He carded a remarkable 10-under 61, propelling him to the top of the leaderboard with a total score of 16-under 126 after two rounds. Potgieter's round included numerous birdies and an eagle on a 661-yard par-five hole, showcasing his impressive driving distance which currently leads the PGA Tour. He came close to shooting a sub-60 round, needing an eagle on the 18th hole to achieve the rare feat, but ultimately settled for a par.

Potgieter's stellar play gave him a four-stroke lead over his nearest competitors, Stephan Jaeger and Brian Campbell, who were tied for second at 12-under 130. Aaron Rai followed closely behind in fourth place at 11-under 131.

The cut line was set at 3-under, with several notable players failing to make it to the weekend, including K.H. Lee, Charley Hoffman, and Davis Riley. Defending champion Jake Knapp managed to make the cut, sitting at 3-under after two rounds.

The tournament, being played at the Greg Norman-designed Vidanta Vallarta course, features a total purse of $7,000,000 with the winner set to receive $1,260,000. As the event heads into the weekend, all eyes will be on Potgieter to see if he can maintain his lead and secure his first PGA Tour victory.

This crowd favorite in Thailand is averaging below 68 on the LPGA (over past 6 months)

Honda LPGA Thailand - LPGA - Slam Country Club - Chon Buri, Thailand

The second round of the Honda LPGA Thailand at Siam Country Club in Chon Buri concluded Friday with Japanese rookie Akie Iwai maintaining her lead. Iwai shot a bogey-free 5-under 67 to reach 15-under par overall, holding a two-shot advantage over American Angel Yin. Yin made a significant move up the leaderboard with an impressive 9-under 64, closing the gap on the leader.

Local favorite Jeeno Thitikul delighted the home crowd with a stellar 8-under 64, propelling her into a tie for third place at 12-under par. She shares that position with fellow Thai golfer Moriya Jutanugarn, who carded a 6-under 66. Thitikul's round was highlighted by a blistering start, making five birdies in her first six holes.

Germany's Esther Henseleit sits alone in fifth place at 9-under par after posting a 5-under 67. The leaderboard remains tightly packed, with several players within striking distance of the lead heading into the weekend.

Notably, Sweden's Maja Stark, who was in second place after the first round, struggled on Friday. She carded three bogeys and two double-bogeys, dropping to a tie for 31st at 3-under par. Defending champion Patty Tavatanakit finished strong with three consecutive birdies but currently sits in a tie for 15th at 5-under par.

The tournament, which marks the beginning of the LPGA Tour's Asian swing, continues to provide excitement and showcases the depth of talent in women's professional golf.

Magical Kenya Open - DP World Tour - Muthaiga GC - Nairobi, Kenya

The second round of the Magical Kenya Open at Muthaiga Golf Club in Nairobi concluded Frid, with England's John Parry maintaining his lead. Parry followed up his impressive opening round of 63 with a solid 65, bringing his total to 128 (-14) for the tournament. France's Benjamin Hebert remains in close pursuit, just one stroke behind at 129 (-13) after carding a 66 in the second round.

South African Jayden Trey Schaper holds the third position at 133 (-9), while Sweden's Christofer Blomstrand sits in fourth at 134 (-8). A group of five players are tied for fifth place at 135 (-7), including Ricardo Gouveia, Jacques Kruyswijk, Jacob Skov Olesen, Adrien Saddier, and Connor Syme, who made a significant move up the leaderboard with an impressive 64 in the second round.

The cut line fell at 143 (+1), with several notable players narrowly making it into the weekend, including Guido Migliozzi, Joost Luiten, and defending champion Darius Van Driel. Unfortunately, some players failed to make the cut, including Bjorn Akesson and Mohit Mediratta.

As the tournament heads into the weekend, the stage is set for an exciting conclusion with Parry looking to maintain his lead and secure victory, while a host of talented players remain in contention to challenge for the title at the Magical Kenya Open.

What’s in the Bag (WITB)

Overheard in the Club House

UPCOMING TOURS

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. Now available at select PGA Tour Superstores.

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