Planet Golf News for Saturday, November 23, 2024

Fishburn leads, high drama for Dahmen in PGA Classic | Nelly Korda’s new swing thought helps soar her into contention at LPGA Finale | Lydia Ko can't stop the tears as Nancy Lopez, Annika Sorenstam welcome her into LPGA Hall of Fame | “Put me in coach” – Paige Spiranac is ‘ready’ for a new role at The Match Superstars

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PGN News Team
November 23, 2024

Saturday, November 23, 2024

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[ THE LEADERBOARD ]

Today’s Top Golf News in Three Minutes

Good Morning,

It’s been an eventful week in the golf world, with everything from thrilling tournament developments to touching personal milestones and some entertaining off-course banter. Here’s a recap of the stories that had everyone talking:

Angel Yin is stealing the show at the CME Group Tour Championship in Naples, Florida. After a brief review of her drop on the fourth hole, which was cleared by LPGA officials, Yin maintained her lead with a solid 3-under 69 in the second round. She’s heading into the weekend with a two-stroke cushion and her eyes firmly set on the record-breaking $4 million prize. With a stacked leaderboard and standout performances from Nelly Korda and Charley Hull, this one’s shaping up to be a nail-biter.

Speaking of the CME, Lydia Ko had a tearful but joyous induction into the LPGA Hall of Fame, flanked by legends Nancy Lopez and Annika Sorenstam. Ko, who’s off to a great start at the championship, reflected on her career and the inspiration she’s drawn from her predecessors. It was a heartfelt moment in a week already buzzing with energy.

On the PGA Tour, rookie Patrick Fishburn is making waves at the RSM Classic in Georgia. His bogey-free 8-under 64 has him leading at 11-under overall, with Maverick McNealy and Lee Hodges hot on his heels. Add amateur Luke Clanton’s impressive performance and defending champion Ludvig Åberg’s comeback to the mix, and this tournament has all the makings of a classic. With players like Joel Dahmen fighting to keep their PGA Tour cards, the weekend promises high stakes and high drama.

Across the globe in Brisbane, the BMW Australian PGA Championship has been battling the elements, with heavy rain reducing the event to 54 holes. Young Aussie Elvis Smylie leads the pack after a stellar opening round, while big names like Cameron Smith and Jason Day are lurking just a few shots behind. The condensed format is sure to ramp up the pressure as the championship heads toward a thrilling conclusion.

Meanwhile, over at “The Match: Superstars” in Florida, the combination of golf and celebrity antics has delivered plenty of laughs. Michael Phelps, Mark Wahlberg, Wayne Gretzky, and Bill Murray are among the finalists, following a day of spirited competition and hilarious trash talk. Charles Barkley, as usual, kept things lively with his sharp wit and on-course antics, proving that golf can be as much about entertainment as it is about skill.

As the year winds down, these stories highlight golf’s ability to inspire, entertain, and evolve. From record-setting prizes and groundbreaking collaborations—like TGL’s discussions about mixed events with LPGA players—to touching moments of recognition and celebration, the game continues to push its boundaries. Whether you’re tuning in for the competition or just soaking up the stories, golf remains a sport where anything—and everything—can happen.

[ Today’s Top Golf News ] 

After further review, LPGA's Angel Yin cleared from any rules infraction, leads CME by two

LPGA golfer Angel Yin has been cleared of any rules infraction regarding her drop on the fourth hole during the CME Group Tour Championship. After reviewing footage with LPGA officials, it was determined that she followed the correct procedure. Yin maintains a two-stroke lead in the tournament, scoring 69 in the second round, and is aiming for a record-breaking $4 million prize for the winner.

Lydia Ko can't stop the tears as Nancy Lopez, Annika Sorenstam welcome her into LPGA Hall of Fame

Lydia Ko was emotionally welcomed into the LPGA Hall of Fame by Nancy Lopez and Annika Sorenstam during the Rolex Awards. Despite promising herself not to cry, she was overwhelmed with emotion as she reflected on her journey and the support she received from her predecessors. Ko, who opened the CME Group Tour Championship with a strong performance, expressed her gratitude for the recognition and shared her experiences leading up to this significant milestone in her career.

Major Golf Tournaments happening this weekend

Patrick Fishburn takes lead at RSM Classic

The RSM Classic - PGA Tour - Sea Island - Saint Simons Island, GA

The RSM Classic at Sea Island Golf Club in St. Simons Island, Georgia, is in full swing with some exciting developments after the second round.

PGA Tour rookie Patrick Fishburn has taken the lead with an impressive 8-under 64 bogey-free round on the Plantation course. Fishburn sits at 11-under 131 overall, showcasing his ability to handle the cold conditions, which he attributes to his experience playing in Utah.

Maverick McNealy and Lee Hodges are tied for second place, just one shot behind Fishburn at 10-under. McNealy, who had a stellar opening round of 62 on the Seaside course, faced some challenges in the second round, carding a 70. Hodges made a significant leap up the leaderboard with a 9-under 63.

Amateur Luke Clanton continues to impress, sitting just two shots off the lead at 9-under. The Florida State sophomore and world’s top-ranked amateur is making his mark alongside the professionals.

Defending champion Ludvig Åberg, returning from knee surgery, bounced back strongly with a 64 on the Plantation course after a challenging first round. He’s now back in contention at 5-under overall.

The tournament has added significance for players fighting to secure their PGA Tour cards for 2025. Joel Dahmen, currently No. 124 in the FedExCup standings, made a crucial par putt on his final hole to make the cut and keep his hopes alive for retaining full status next season.

The cut line was set at 1-under 141, creating tension for several players. Notable names like Zac Blair (No. 123) and Wesley Bryan (No. 125) narrowly missed the cut, potentially jeopardizing their Tour status for next year.

As the tournament heads into the weekend, the focus will be on Fishburn’s attempt to secure his first PGA Tour victory, while players like Dahmen continue their quest to solidify their positions for the 2025 season.

The RSM Classic Stories

The RSM Classic Videos

Aside from a late rules scare, Angel Yin is in control at CME Group with $4 million on the line

CME Group Tour Championship - Tiburon Golf Club - Naples, FL

After Friday’s second round of the CME Group Tour Championship at Tiburon Golf Club in Naples, Florida, Angel Yin has taken the lead in the tournament. Yin posted a 3-under-par 69 on Friday, bringing her total to 10-under par for the tournament. She now holds a two-shot advantage heading into the weekend.

Tied for second place at 8-under par are South Korean players Hye-Jin Choi and Narin An. Choi maintained her consistency with a second straight round of 68, while An, who was the first-round leader, carded an even-par 72 on Friday.

The day’s best performances came from Nelly Korda and Charley Hull, who both fired impressive rounds of 6-under 66. Korda’s round was particularly noteworthy, featuring an eagle on the par-4 third hole where she holed out from the rough. She followed this with four birdies in a bogey-free round, propelling her into a tie for fourth place at 6-under par for the tournament.

Joining Korda in the tie for fourth are Thailand’s Jeeno Thitikul (67), China’s Ruoning Yin (68), Japan’s Ayaka Furue (69), and South Korea’s Amy Yang (69).

Charley Hull’s strong performance, which included six birdies on the front nine, moved her into a tie for ninth place at 5-under par overall.

As the tournament progresses into the weekend, the players are competing for a substantial $4 million first-place prize, the largest in women’s golf. The leaderboard remains tight, setting the stage for an exciting conclusion to the LPGA’s season-ending championship.

CME Group Tour Stories

Watch: One way or the 'otter,' there's animals galore at 2024 CME Group Tour Championship

The 2024 CME Group Tour Championship at Tiburon Golf Club has seen various animals, including a river otter that interrupted play on the 13th green and multiple squirrel sightings. Additionally, an alligator was spotted during the tournament, highlighting the diverse wildlife present at the event.

CME Group Tour Videos

Australian PGA Championship Cut To 54 Holes After Friday Wash Out

BMW Australian PGA Championship - Royal Queensland GC, Brisbane, Australia

The 2024 BMW Australian PGA Championship at Royal Queensland Golf Club in Brisbane has faced significant weather-related challenges, leading to a shortened 54-hole tournament. Heavy rainfall of approximately 180mm since last Saturday rendered the course unplayable on Friday, forcing officials to abandon play for the day and adjust the schedule.

The tournament, which began on November 21, will now conclude on Sunday, November 24. The second round is set to start at 6 am on Saturday, with players finishing their rounds before the 36-hole cut is made. The third and final round will take place on Sunday.

Despite the wet conditions, the first round saw impressive performances from several players. Elvis Smylie, a 22-year-old Australian, currently leads the tournament with an opening round of 6-under 65. He is closely followed by a group of players at 5-under, including French golfer Victor Perez, Chilean Christobal Del Solar, and Swiss player Joel Girrbach.

Notable Australian players Cameron Smith and Jason Day are both in contention, tied at 4-under 67 along with several others. Defending champion Min Woo Lee is three shots off the pace after an opening 68.

As the tournament heads into its final two rounds, players will need to adapt quickly to the altered schedule and potentially softer course conditions. The condensed format is expected to intensify the competition as golfers vie for the championship title at this prestigious Australian Sandbelt venue.

BMW Australian PGA Championship Stories

"Calm down women" - Charles Barkley makes hilarious comment while changing shirts at The Match Superstars

The Match: Superstars - Breakers West Country Club in West Palm Beach, Fla. 

The Match: Superstars, the 10th edition of this popular golf event, kicked off on Thursday, November 21, 2024, at the Breakers West Country Club in West Palm Beach, Florida. This two-day celebrity golf tournament features eight amateur golfers from the worlds of sports and entertainment competing for a $1 million prize and raising money for hurricane relief efforts. The first day consisted of two-person scramble matches, with Michael Phelps and Mark Wahlberg defeating Blake Griffin and Nate Bargatze 4-up after six holes in the first match. In the second match, Wayne Gretzky and Bill Murray emerged victorious over Charles Barkley and Ken Griffey Jr. in a closely contested battle that extended to the fourth playoff hole.

The event, broadcast on TNT and streaming on Max, showcased not only golf skills but also plenty of friendly banter and trash talk among the participants. The format for day one involved two-person teams playing scramble matches, with the winning pairs advancing to the semifinals. The competition will continue on Friday, November 22, with the semifinals and finals featuring individual match play, where former teammates will face off against each other. The remaining contestants vying for the top prize are Michael Phelps, Mark Wahlberg, Wayne Gretzky, and Bill Murray.

The Match: Superstars Stories

The Match: Superstars Videos

The Ryder Cup (Sept 22-28, 2025)

'A Massive Goal' - Tom McKibbin Targets Ryder Cup Debut After Earning PGA Tour Card

Tom McKibbin, a 21-year-old golfer from Northern Ireland, aims to make his Ryder Cup debut after earning his PGA Tour card. Following strong finishes in the DP World Tour season, he will compete in the Team Cup in Abu Dhabi, hoping to impress Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald. McKibbin cites Rory McIlroy as an inspiration and plans to play predominantly in the US next year, favoring parkland golf. His goal of joining the Ryder Cup team reflects his ambition and the potential for success on the PGA Tour.

Today’s Best Golf Videos

Overheard in the Club House

LPGA star Ally Ewing dishes on her decision to retire after CME: 'I didn't want to just fizzle out'

Ally Ewing, a 32-year-old LPGA golfer, announced her retirement after the CME Group Tour Championship, citing the loneliness of the sport and a desire to start a family as key factors. Ewing, who has Type 1 diabetes, emphasized the importance of timing in her decision, wanting to leave the sport on a high note after a successful year. She expressed her appreciation for the tour but looks forward to a more settled life, including potential involvement in coaching and maintaining her faith and support networks.

Matt Kuchar's son WDs from Florida state tournament for 'breaking rules'; team DQs without enough players

Cameron Kuchar, son of golfer Matt Kuchar, and teammate Talan Wilkes withdrew from the Florida state golf championship due to rule violations, leading to their team's disqualification. Jupiter High School, a strong contender, was left with only three players for the second round, significantly diminishing their chances for the title. Coach Bruce Wasserman expressed disappointment, noting the team's potential and successful season despite the setback.

Martin Slumbers hangs his hat on making British Open big and promoting women's golf

Martin Slumbers, retiring as CEO of the R&A, focused on increasing attendance at the British Open and promoting women's golf during his tenure. He emphasized the importance of a large audience and expanded the R&A's role in women's championships, significantly increasing prize money. Slumbers also advocated for financial sustainability in golf, expressing concern over the sport's division and the negative impact of money-focused discussions on its reputation. He plans to play golf after retirement, reflecting on his decade-long leadership and the changes made in the sport.

CME Group and Terry Duffy Believe in the LPGA

CME Group CEO Terry Duffy announced a historic $4 million prize for the winner of the CME Group Tour Championship, the largest in women's golf history, while extending the title sponsorship through 2027. Duffy emphasized the importance of brand integrity and the transformative impact of the LPGA, expressing his commitment to elevating women's golf and supporting charitable causes like St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. He highlighted the joy of participating in the LPGA's growth and the positive influence of its players.

Golf helps “Wicked” star Mary Kate Morrissey play one of Broadway’s biggest roles

Mary Kate Morrissey, currently starring as Elphaba in Broadway's "Wicked," has developed a passion for golf, which she describes as a new obsession. Despite initially resisting the sport during her childhood, she embraced it after her mother gifted her clubs. Golf has become a valuable outlet for Morrissey, helping her manage the pressures of performing eight shows a week and providing a mental break from her demanding role. As she prepares to conclude her run in "Wicked," Morrissey looks forward to attending a golf camp with her family, highlighting how the sport has enriched her life both personally and professionally.

Why a significant sponsor is calling an LPGA TV decision ‘bulls**t’

Terry Duffy, CEO of CME Group, expressed frustration over the LPGA's decision to air the CME Group Tour Championship on tape delay, calling it "bulls**t." He emphasized the need for women's sports to receive equal treatment and exposure as men's sports, highlighting that the current broadcasting arrangements do not reflect the significance of the tournament. Duffy hopes LPGA leadership will address these issues to enhance visibility for women's golf.

Golf’s best-selling book just got even better. Here's what's inside

The new edition of "Ben Hogan's Five Lessons" celebrates its enduring popularity in golf literature, featuring a flashy green cover and 97 new pages of context and history. Despite the rise of digital instruction, Hogan's insights remain relevant, appealing to golfers of all levels. The book, originally published in 1957, has sold over a million copies and is praised for its authoritative writing and practical tips, emphasizing a consistent swing and grip. The latest edition includes a foreword by Lee Trevino, reflecting on Hogan's influence on his own golfing journey.

Report: TGL considering mixed events in LPGA discussions

Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy's TGL is considering collaboration with the LPGA for mixed events, enhancing the visibility of LPGA players. Discussions have begun, with potential plans for a separate women's league or mixed events featuring both PGA and LPGA players. TGL aims to improve the viewing experience by allowing all golfers to tee off from the same spot. Recent mixed events have gained popularity, and there are proposals for mixed tournaments at future events, including the 2028 Olympics.

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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