Planet Golf News for Saturday, January 18, 2025

Charley Hoffman leads at American Express 2025; teen Blades Brown in pursuit | Els and Cejka lead, Pampling remains in Champions mix | Akshay Bhatia mistakenly hits ball out of bounds, becomes latest victim of not reading local rules closely enough

Author

PGN News Team
January 18, 2025

Saturday, January 18, 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 whirlwind week in the golf world, huh? Let’s dive into the chaos and brilliance unfolding across the fairways, greens, and bunkers. And trust me, there’s a lot to unpack—from seasoned veterans turning back the clock to amateurs trying to make history, and yes, a bunker horror story so bad it might haunt your next sand shot.

Starting with The American Express in La Quinta, Charley Hoffman and Rico Hoey are co-leading at 16-under after two rounds. Hoffman, at 48, is basically out here telling Father Time to take a seat, dropping a smooth 63 to remind everyone he’s not ready for shuffleboard just yet. Rico Hoey, meanwhile, is proving that you don’t need a Wikipedia page full of wins to put on a show, leveraging some local fan love to keep things exciting. Rickie Fowler joined the party with a second-round 62, which begs the question—where has that Rickie been hiding? And then there’s young Blades Brown, a 17-year-old wildcard who’s racking up birdies faster than TikTok likes. He’s 8-under and heading into the tougher Stadium Course like it’s just another school project.

Meanwhile, over in Phoenix, 672 golfers have signed up to duke it out for three spots in the WM Phoenix Open. That’s right, 672 players are about to take part in golf’s version of The Hunger Games, each shelling out $250 to chase their PGA Tour dreams. If you’re not one of the lucky three who make it, well, at least you can say you played golf in Arizona in January—silver linings, right?

In Dubai, the Hero Desert Classic has been a mixed bag. Ewen Ferguson is leading at 12-under after a hot second round where his ball literally bounced off an advertising board for an eagle. Talk about a marketing ploy! Rory McIlroy, however, is struggling to summon last year’s magic, while Viktor Hovland and Jon Rahm couldn’t even make the cut. Rahm’s performance was so rocky he might have had better luck playing through a bush—oh wait, he did that too.

On the senior circuit, Bernhard Langer is out there defying physics and biology at the Mitsubishi Electric Championship in Hawaii. At 67 years old, he fired a ridiculous 9-under 63 to put himself just two shots back heading into the final round. Ernie Els and Alex Cejka are leading, but let’s be real—if Langer wins this, someone should check his driver for cheat codes.

Back to the Islands, the Korn Ferry Tour’s Bahamas Great Abaco Classic is kicking off in a tropical paradise. Players are competing for a million-dollar purse, and while the action will be fierce, the real star might just be the stunning island backdrop. If you’re not watching this one, are you even living?

Finally, the equipment junkies have plenty to chew on this week. Jon Rahm is revamping his gear with a new putter and driver—though let’s be honest, after his Dubai outing, maybe he should’ve started with a chainsaw to hack through the bushes. Titleist dropped some shiny new Vokey wedges with a copper finish, and golf nerds everywhere are already lining up to throw $249 at them.

So there you have it. From young stars rising to legends refusing to fade, the golf world continues to be a wild, unpredictable circus. If this week’s drama is any indication, 2025 is going to be a banner year for the sport. Stay tuned, because the next sand save, shank, or Cinderella story is just a round away.

Planet Golf Poll

With the PGA announcing that the Genesis Invitational for 2025 will be moved, where do you think it will be held?

Select a possible location below

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

Today’s Top Golf News 

Charley Hoffman, Rico Hoey charge into the lead midway through The American Express

Charley Hoffman and Rico Hoey share the lead at The American Express with 16-under after two rounds, while Hoffman reflects on his career and health challenges at 48, determined to compete against younger players. Rickie Fowler also makes a strong showing with a second-round 62.

WM Phoenix Open pre-qualifier sold out after 672 golfers signed up for one of 8 locations

The final Monday qualifier for the WM Phoenix Open has sold out, with 672 golfers signing up for eight pre-qualifier spots, each paying $250. The pre-qualifiers will take place from January 28-30, and the final qualifying round is on February 3, with only three spots available for the main event.

Max Homa, Collin Morikawa headline solid field for the 2025 Farmers Insurance Open

The 2025 Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines will feature top golfers including Max Homa, Collin Morikawa, and defending champion Matthieu Pavon, with a total purse of $9 million and $1.674 million for the winner.

Major Golf Tournaments happening this weekend

Charley Hoffman, Rico Hoey charge into lead midway through The American Express

The American Express - PGA Tour - La Quinta Country Club - La Quinta, CA

The second round of the 2025 American Express golf tournament has concluded, with Charley Hoffman and Rico Hoey sharing the lead at 16 under par. Both players fired impressive 9-under 63 rounds to surge to the top of the leaderboard. Just one stroke behind the leaders are Justin Lower, Mark Hubbard, and Sepp Straka, all tied for third place at 15 under par.

The tournament, which is being played across three courses - La Quinta Country Club, Nicklaus Tournament Course, and Pete Dye Stadium Course - has produced typically low scores. Jason Day and J.J. Spaun are tied for sixth place at 14 under par, while a group including Nick Taylor, Justin Thomas, and Rickie Fowler sits at 13 under par.

Notable performances include Patrick Cantlay at 12 under par and Will Zalatoris, who has made a strong return to competition, also at 12 under. The leaderboard remains tightly packed, with 30 players within six shots of the lead, setting the stage for an exciting weekend of golf.

Young amateur Blades Brown, playing on a sponsor exemption, has made a significant move in the second round. After a challenging start in the first round, Brown caught fire and was 8-under through 15 holes of his second round, showcasing the potential that earned him a spot in this professional event.

Defending champion Nick Dunlap, who won the tournament as an amateur last year before turning professional, is in contention at 10 under par after two rounds. His return to the event where he made history has been solid, keeping him within striking distance of the leaders.

With the cut coming after the third round to ensure all players have a chance to play each of the three courses, the tournament remains wide open. The low scores and bunched leaderboard promise an exciting finish as players jockey for position heading into the weekend at this desert classic.

American Express Stories

Charley Hoffman leads at American Express 2025; teen Blades Brown in pursuit

Charley Hoffman leads The American Express with a 9-under 63, tied with Rico Hoey, while 17-year-old Blades Brown impresses with a 6-under 64, sitting at 8 under overall. The leaderboard features notable players like Jason Day and Justin Thomas within striking distance. Brown shows promise in his second pro round, aiming to tackle the tougher Stadium Course next.

Rico Hoey Rises in Round Two, Blades Brown Impresses at American Express

Blades Brown, at just 17, impresses with 10 birdies to reach 8-under in the American Express tournament, showcasing his maturity despite early challenges. Rico Hoey leverages local knowledge for a solid performance, supported by an enthusiastic crowd, setting the stage for an exciting weekend ahead.

Jason Day chips in thrice at PGA Tour's American Express 2025

Jason Day is in contention at the American Express tournament, shooting an 8-under 64 and a 6-under 66, thanks to three chip-ins. He faces tougher conditions at the Stadium Course on Saturday and aims to leverage his recent short-game practice to maintain his performance.

Rickie Fowler, Justin Thomas shining at the 2025 American Express

Justin Thomas and Rickie Fowler both excelled on Day 2 of the American Express, with Thomas shooting an 8-under 64 and Fowler a 10-under 62, leaving them tied at 13 under, just three shots behind the leaders Charley Hoffman and Rico Hoey.

American Express Videos

Bernhard Langer, 67, contending at Mitsubishi Electric Championship

Mitsubishi Electric Championship at Hualalai - PGA Champions Tour - Hualalai Resort Golf Club, Kailua Kona, HI

Ernie Els and Alex Cejka have taken the lead Friday after the second round of the Mitsubishi Electric Championship at Hualalai. Both players are tied at the top of the leaderboard at 12-under par 132 after two rounds of play at the Hualalai Golf Club in Ka'upulehu-Kona, Hawaii[2].

Els carded a 7-under 65 in the second round, while Cejka posted a 6-under 66. Their strong performances on Friday have positioned them as the players to beat heading into the final round of this PGA Tour Champions event[2].

It's worth noting that 67-year-old Bernhard Langer made a significant move up the leaderboard, shooting the best round of the day with a 9-under 63. This impressive performance puts Langer just two shots behind the leaders at 10-under par 134, showcasing his enduring skill and competitiveness even at his advanced age[2].

The tournament, which serves as the season opener for the PGA Tour Champions, features a limited field of 42 players competing for a $2 million purse. With Els and Cejka sharing the lead and Langer in close pursuit, the stage is set for an exciting final round on Saturday.

Mitsubishi Electric Championship Stories

Els and Cejka lead, Pampling remains in Champions mix

Ernie Els and Alex Cejka are tied for the lead heading into the final round of the Mitsubishi Electric Championship at Hualalai, with Rod Pampling closely behind in fourth place, three strokes off the leaders. Bernhard Langer, at age 67, remains competitive two shots back after an impressive nine-under 63 round. Els and Cejka both had solid performances, with Els achieving a bogey-free round and Cejka showcasing calmness throughout his game. The tournament features a limited field of 42 players, and several others, including Justin Leonard and Brett Quigley, are also in contention as the event approaches its conclusion in Hawaii.

Bernhard Langer, 67, contending at Mitsubishi Electric Championship

At the Mitsubishi Electric Championship in Hawaii, Ernie Els and Alex Cejka are tied for the lead at 12-under-par, while Bernhard Langer, at age 67, is just two shots behind after an impressive 9-under 63 in the third round. Langer’s performance included an eagle on the 10th hole and eight birdies, extending his remarkable streak of Champions event victories to 18 consecutive years with a total of 47 wins. Els and Cejka both had strong rounds, with Els remaining bogey-free and Cejka exhibiting calmness throughout his round. The tournament features a limited field of 42 players and is the season opener for the PGA Tour Champions.

Mitsubishi Electric Championship Videos

Viktor Hovland misses cut, Rory McIlroy struggles, Ewen Ferguson gets lucky break to lead Round 2 at Hero Dubai Desert Classic

Hero Dubai Desert Classic - DP World Tour - Emirates Golf Club - Dubai, UAE

The second round of the 2025 Hero Dubai Desert Classic at Emirates Golf Club in Dubai, UAE, concluded with Ewen Ferguson taking the lead at 12-under par. Ferguson carded an impressive 7-under 65, which included an eagle on the 18th hole after a fortunate bounce off an advertising board. Daniel Hillier sits one stroke behind at 11-under, also shooting a 65 in the second round. Tyrrell Hatton made a significant move up the leaderboard, climbing 45 spots to tie for third at 8-under after carding a 65 with eight birdies.

Defending champion Rory McIlroy struggled, finishing the day nine shots off the lead at 3-under par. Despite his position, McIlroy remains optimistic, recalling his comeback from a 10-stroke deficit in last year's tournament.

Several high-profile players missed the cut, which was set at even par. Notable names failing to make the weekend include Jon Rahm, who shot a disappointing 5-over 77 in the second round, and Viktor Hovland, who finished at 4-over par for the tournament. Other big names missing the cut were Adrian Meronk, Padraig Harrington, and Dean Burmester.

The tournament is shaping up for an exciting weekend, with Ferguson looking to maintain his lead and others, including McIlroy, hoping to mount a comeback on the challenging Emirates Golf Club course.

Ewen Ferguson Leads the Hero Dubai Desert Classic at Halftime

Ewen Ferguson leads the Hero Dubai Desert Classic at 12-under par after a bogey-free second round of 65, one stroke ahead of Daniel Hillier. Tyrrell Hatton and others are tied for third at 8-under, while Jon Rahm missed the cut after a disappointing 77.

Akshay Bhatia accidentally hits into internal OB at Dubai Desert Classic

Akshay Bhatia encountered internal out of bounds while playing the 13th hole at the Dubai Desert Classic, leading to a penalty stroke after mistakenly aiming for the eighth fairway. He ultimately finished with a score of 1-over 73, making the cut at 2 under par.

9 Big Names To Miss The Dubai Desert Classic Cut

Nine notable golfers, including Jon Rahm and Rory McIlroy, missed the cut at the 2025 Dubai Desert Classic, with several struggling in challenging conditions and failing to reach even par. Ewen Ferguson and Dan Hillier lead the tournament.

Hero Dubai Desert Classic Videos

The Bahamas Great Abaco Classic at The Abaco Club - Korn Ferry - The Abnaco Club on Winding Bay - Great Abaco, Bahamas

The Bahamas Great Abaco Classic at The Abaco Club, a prestigious event on the Korn Ferry Tour, is set to take place from January 19-22, 2025, at The Abaco Club on Winding Bay in Great Abaco, Bahamas. This tournament marks the second event of the 2025 Korn Ferry Tour season, following The Bahamas Golf Classic at Atlantis Paradise Island. The event will feature a field of 144 competitors vying for a total purse of $1,000,000 on the par-72, 7,141-yard course designed by Donald Steel and Tom Mackenzie. Golf Channel will provide live coverage of all four rounds, offering golf enthusiasts a chance to watch the action unfold. The tournament not only showcases world-class golfing but also highlights the natural beauty of the Abaco Islands, making it a highly anticipated event for both players and spectators. Aldrich Potgieter enters as the defending champion, having claimed victory in the 2024 edition of the tournament.

The Bahamas Great Abaco Classic at The Abaco Club: Storylines, how to watch, more

The Korn Ferry Tour's Bahamas Great Abaco Classic features a competitive field, including top players like Kensei Hirata and S.H. Kim. All rounds will be broadcast live on Golf Channel from January 19 to January 22, 2025.

Today’s Best Golf Videos

What’s in the Bag (WITB)

Jon Rahm changed two crucial pieces of gear to start 2025

Jon Rahm has made significant changes to his gear as he starts the 2025 golf season, switching to a new Odyssey Ai-ONE #24 Slant putter and a Callaway Elyte Triple Diamond driver. The new putter features a unique square design aimed at improving alignment, while the driver replaces his previous model from 2024 and retains the same shaft setup. Although Rahm faced a disappointing start to the season with a missed cut in Dubai, the adjustments to his equipment are noteworthy as he seeks to enhance his performance on the course.

Titleist releases limited-edition Vokey SM10 Oil Can wedges

Titleist has announced the release of limited-edition Vokey SM10 Oil Can wedges, featuring a copper-hued finish that pays homage to the classic design of past wedges. The new PVD treatment enhances durability while minimizing reflectivity, making these wedges visually appealing and functional. Available in all 27 loft and bounce options through custom orders, the wedges will include unique engravings and come equipped with a Project X wedge shaft. The pre-order date is set for March 18, with global availability starting on March 27, and each wedge will retail for $249, available while supplies last.

New year, new gear for DP World Tour stars in Dubai

The start of the new year has prompted many DP World Tour golfers to update their equipment, with the Hero Dubai Desert Classic serving as a platform for testing new clubs. Notable players like Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood are making changes to their bags, incorporating new drivers and wedges from major manufacturers while others, such as Viktor Hovland and Ryan Fox, have made significant adjustments, with Fox introducing 13 new clubs into his setup. The excitement surrounding these changes highlights the importance of equipment in enhancing performance as players prepare for the competitive season ahead.

Overheard in the Club House

Rahm welcomes new LIV CEO: “There's been a little bit, possibly a little too much bad blood between Greg and the governing bodies”

Jon Rahm welcomes Scott O'Neil as the new LIV Golf CEO, believing his outsider perspective can improve relations with golf's governing bodies and enhance the league's future, especially with a new TV deal with FOX Sports. Rahm reflects on his recent performance, acknowledging the need for improvement as the season begins.

LIV Golf's Brooks Koepka splits with coach Claude Harmon III, again

Brooks Koepka has split with swing coach Claude Harmon III for the second time, opting to work with Pete Cowen and Jeff Pierce for his short game and putting as he prepares for the 2025 season. Koepka previously worked with Harmon from 2013 to 2020 and again from late 2022.

Sparks Flying And Hastings In Battle As Play Suspended At Latin America Amateur Championship

Play was suspended at the Latin America Amateur Championship in Buenos Aires due to inclement weather, with Patrick Sparks leading at eight-under-par. Justin Hastings and Segundo Oliva Pinto are also in contention. The champion will earn invitations to prestigious tournaments, including the Masters and the US Open.

Johnny Miller called this prank the 'greatest comeback' he's ever seen

Rocco Mediate humorously addressed Johnny Miller's controversial comments from the 2008 U.S. Open by dressing as a pool cleaner at a gala, leading Miller to call it the "greatest comeback" he's ever seen. Mediate remained unbothered by the remarks and emphasized camaraderie over conflict.

Exclusive: Lydia Ko On Quitting Thoughts, Grand Slam Bid & Retirement Plans

Lydia Ko reflects on her career turnaround, winning Olympic gold and the AIG Women's Open, while aiming for a career Grand Slam before retiring by age 30, inspired by Lorena Ochoa's path.

'There's A Reason They Didn't Want Him' - Jerry Foltz Fires Back At Eugenio Chacarra After Spaniard's Parting LIV Golf Criticism

Eugenio Chacarra criticized LIV Golf after leaving for the PGA Tour, expressing frustration over unfulfilled promises regarding ranking points and Major access. Jerry Foltz defended LIV, attributing Chacarra's struggles to his performance and character, emphasizing that better play would have changed his situation. Chacarra faces a 12-month suspension from the PGA Tour due to his LIV involvement.

'A Less Threatening Image' - Rahm Backs New CEO To Have Positive Impact On LIV Future

Jon Rahm supports the replacement of Greg Norman with Scott O'Neil as LIV Golf CEO, believing it will improve relations with the PGA Tour and help heal divisions in golf. O'Neil's outsider perspective and experience in sports are seen as beneficial for the future of LIV Golf.

"You're lucky I'm not," - Hollywood star Kathryn Newton hilariously challenges the star-studded Hero Dubai Desert Classic field

Kathryn Newton humorously challenged golfers at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, expressing excitement about her first visit to Dubai and sharing her passion for golf. She also predicted potential winners for the event while showcasing her new role as a brand ambassador for J. Lindeberg.

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 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.

TGL Schedule 2025

View the latest match schedule for TGL presented by SoFi, including times, dates and broadcast partners.

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