Planet Golf News for Saturday, November 9, 2024

Beau Hossler unknowingly makes 179-yard ace at World Wide Technology Championship | Nico Echavarria shares lead in Mexico in bid for 2nd straight PGA Tour victory | A Lim Kim birdies final two holes to take lead into Lotte Championship finale | Stewart Cink keeps lead at 2024 Charles Schwab Cup Championship | Paul Waring holds huge halfway lead after course record at DP World Tour

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PGN News Team
November 09, 2024

Saturday, November 9, 2024

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[ THE LEADERBOARD ]

Today’s Top Golf News in Three Minutes

Good Morning,

This week in golf has been packed with excitement, from Lanny Wadkins’ retirement to thrilling tournaments across the globe.

First, the golf world is saying farewell to Lanny Wadkins as the lead analyst for PGA Tour Champions coverage on the Golf Channel. After 13 years in the role, Wadkins reflects fondly on the player interactions he’s experienced, but admits he’s less excited about the shift to more studio-based coverage. At 75, he’s looking forward to taking a step back to spend time with family and focus on course design projects, but his insightful contributions to golf broadcasts will surely be missed.

Another spotlight moment comes from the Annika Intercollegiate, where basketball star Caitlin Clark will be hitting the golf course in a pro-am alongside legends like Annika Sorenstam and Nelly Korda. Golf Channel is expanding its coverage in anticipation of Clark’s appearance, and she’ll also participate in a panel at the Women’s Leadership Summit, an event that continues to showcase and celebrate women’s influence in sports.

In tournament news, the 2024 World Wide Technology Championship in Cabo San Lucas is heating up. Nico Echavarria, fresh off his Zozo Championship win in Japan, is tied at 12-under with Max Greyserman after a thrilling 9-under 63 round. Dylan Wu is also making waves, starting with six consecutive birdies in his second round, bringing him into serious contention. Meanwhile, the event at Tiger Woods’ El Cardonal course has drawn attention for its favorable conditions, giving players a birdie-friendly environment to show their skills. With two rounds to go, fans are eagerly watching as these competitors battle it out for the $7.2 million prize and FedEx Cup points.

Over on the LPGA Tour, A Lim Kim has surged to the lead at the LOTTE Championship in Hawaii with a strong 5-under 67 in the third round, despite challenging windy conditions. Kim capped off her round with two birdies on the final holes, and her hole-in-one marked a thrilling moment for fans. With one round left, all eyes are on Kim to see if she can hold her lead and claim victory.

The Charles Schwab Cup Championship on the PGA Tour Champions circuit has Stewart Cink leading, while 67-year-old Bernhard Langer delivered a remarkable round, shooting a 7-under 64 to land three shots behind Cink. With two rounds left, the points race is in full swing, and seasoned veterans like Steven Alker and Ernie Els are vying for the prestigious season-long title.

Across the globe in Abu Dhabi, the DP World Tour’s HSBC Championship has seen record-breaking action. Paul Waring set a new course record with an 11-under 61, giving him a commanding lead. Tommy Fleetwood and other top players are looking to close the gap in this high-stakes event, with Race to Dubai implications adding to the excitement.

In other news, golf icon Tiger Woods is teasing the launch of his new golf shoe under his “Sun Day Red” brand. The new footwear will make its debut on December 4, just before the Hero World Challenge, sparking excitement among fans eager to see the latest from Woods’ post-Nike venture.

It’s been a thrilling week with standout performances, farewells, and fresh announcements that set the stage for even more action as we head into the end of the season.

[ Today’s Top Golf News ] 

Lanny Wadkins leaving as lead analyst of PGA Tour Champions: 'I’ve had my run'

Lanny Wadkins, a World Golf Hall of Fame member, is concluding his 13-year tenure as the lead analyst for Golf Channel's PGA Tour Champions coverage, with his final telecast scheduled for January. At 75, he reflects on the personal interactions with players that enriched his broadcasts and expresses concern over the shift to a studio-based format that may impact the quality of coverage. Despite retiring from broadcasting, Wadkins plans to remain active in golf through design projects and looks forward to spending more time with family.

More Caitlin Clark? Golf Channel obliges with beefed up pro-am coverage for The Annika

Caitlin Clark will participate in the pro-am at The Annika tournament, playing alongside Nelly Korda and Annika Sorenstam. Her involvement has led Golf Channel to enhance coverage of the event, including expanded programming and live streams. Clark is also a panelist at the Women's Leadership Summit, highlighting her influence in women's sports. The tournament, hosted by Annika Sorenstam, features a strong field competing for a $3.25 million purse.

Major Golf Tournaments happening this weekend

Nico Echavarria shares lead in Mexico in bid for second straight PGA Tour victory

World Wide Technology Championship - PGA Tour - El Cardonal at Diamante - Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

The 2024 World Wide Technology Championship at El Cardonal at Diamante in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, is in full swing, with exciting developments unfolding after the second round. The tournament, played on the Tiger Woods-designed course, has seen favorable conditions on Friday with less wind, leading to a birdie bonanza and low scores.

Currently, there’s a tie at the top of the leaderboard between Nico Echavarria and Max Greyserman, both sitting at 12-under par. Echavarria, fresh off his victory at the Zozo Championship in Japan, carded an impressive 9-under 63 in the second round, marking his lowest score on the PGA Tour. He’s aiming for back-to-back wins and has gained support from the local crowd in the absence of Mexican players making the cut.

Greyserman, who finished just behind Echavarria at the Zozo Championship, matched his co-leader’s performance with a solid 64. The two are set to face off again in the third round, creating an intriguing rematch scenario.

Dylan Wu made a significant move up the leaderboard, starting his second round with six consecutive birdies. He finished with a 65, putting him at 10-under par and in contention. Wu’s performance is particularly crucial as he’s currently ranked 119th in the FedEx Cup Fall standings and fighting for his tour status.

The cut line was established at 2-under par, leaving several notable names out of the weekend play. As the tournament progresses, players are taking advantage of the more favorable conditions at El Cardonal, with the course proving to be quite scoreable when the wind is down.

With two rounds remaining, the stage is set for an exciting finish to the World Wide Technology Championship, as players vie for the $7,200,000 prize purse and valuable FedEx Cup points.

World Wide Technology Championship Stories

These pros missed the cut at the 2024 World Wide Technology Championship

At the 2024 World Wide Technology Championship, several notable players missed the cut, including Taylor Moore, who struggled on the back nine, and Patton Kizzire, who faced back-to-back missed cuts. Other players like Neal Shipley and S.H. Kim also faced challenges, with Kim's missed cut impacting his FedEx Cup standings. Young golfer Dylan Brack showed promise despite missing the cut, while veteran Billy Andrade made a commendable return after 11 years but also missed the cut. Overall, the tournament highlighted the difficulties faced by various players in challenging conditions. 

World Wide Technology Championship Videos

Major winner needed birdie, or her career was likely done. She got something more

LOTTE Championship pres. by Hoakalei - LPGA - Hoakalei Country Club - Ewa Beach, HI

A Lim Kim has taken the lead after shooting a 5-under 67 in the third round. She finished strong with birdies on the final two holes, overcoming a bogey on the 16th. Kim’s total score now stands at 14-under 202.

Nataliya Guseva is in second place, one stroke behind Kim. She remains in contention just behind the leader.

The tournament, which began on Wednesday at the Hoakalei Country Club in Honolulu, Hawaii, has one round remaining. The windy conditions at the course continue to be a factor in the players’ performances.

It’s worth noting that A Lim Kim also made her second career hole-in-one during this round, adding to the excitement of her climb to the top of the leaderboard.

With just one round left to play, the stage is set for an exciting finale to the LOTTE Championship later today.

LOTTE Championship Stories

LOTTE Championship Videos

Stewart Cink leads Bernhard Langer, who beats his age by 3, at Champions finale

Charles Schwab Cup Championship - PGA Tour Champions - Phoenix Country Club - Phoenix, AZ

Stewart Cink continues to lead the tournament after two rounds. Cink shot a 5-under 66 in the second round, maintaining his three-shot lead over the field with a total of 12-under-par 130.

Bernhard Langer, the 67-year-old veteran, made a significant move up the leaderboard with an impressive 7-under 64, the best round of the day. This remarkable performance placed Langer in second position, three shots behind Cink. Notably, Langer’s round was three shots better than his age, marking the 21st time in his career that he has matched or bettered his age in a tournament round.

Alex Cejka is currently in third place at 7-under after shooting a 66 in the second round.

The race for the Charles Schwab Cup, the season-long points competition, has seen a shift. Steven Alker, who entered the week in second place in the standings, has now overtaken Ernie Els in the projected standings. Alker is tied for fourth in the tournament at 4-under after a second-round 68, while Els is tied for ninth at 3-under following a 70.

Other players tied with Alker at 4-under include Vijay Singh, Miguel Angel Jiménez, Jerry Kelly, and Cameron Percy. Stephen Ames, who came into the week third in the Cup standings, is currently at 2-under after a 72 in the second round.

The tournament, which features the top 36 players from the season’s points list, continues to be closely contested as players vie for both the tournament victory and the season-long Charles Schwab Cup title. With two rounds remaining, the stage is set for an exciting finish to the PGA Tour Champions season.

Charles Schwab Championship Stories

Charles Schwab Championship Videos

Tommy Fleetwood five back of surprise leader after 36 holes in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship - DP World Tour - Yas Links - Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

The Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship at Yas Links in the United Arab Emirates has seen some exciting action in its second round. Paul Waring has surged to the top of the leaderboard with an impressive performance, setting a new course record with a bogey-free round of 11-under 61. This outstanding play has given Waring a commanding five-shot lead over his nearest competitors.

Currently sitting in a tie for second place at 14-under are Johannes Veerman, Niklas Norgaard, Tommy Fleetwood, and Thorbjørn Olesen. Fleetwood, who had set the previous course record of 62 in the first round, continues to be in contention.

The leaderboard is tightly packed behind the leaders, with several players at 12-under, including Tyrrell Hatton, who had a strong showing with 10 birdies in his round. Rory McIlroy, who started well in the first round, faced some challenges in the second round, including a triple bogey on the 17th hole that affected his position on the leaderboard.

This tournament is particularly significant as it’s one of the DP World Tour Play-Offs events, with implications for the Race to Dubai standings. McIlroy, who entered the tournament as the favorite and current Race to Dubai leader, is now looking to recover ground over the weekend.

The event boasts a substantial prize fund of $9 million, with the winner set to receive over $1.5 million. As the penultimate event of the DP World Tour season, it’s attracting considerable attention from golf enthusiasts worldwide.

Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship Stories

Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship Videos

Today’s Best Golf Videos

What’s in the Bag (WITB)

Tiger Woods Hints At New Golf Shoe Launch Shortly Before Possible Hero World Challenge Start

Tiger Woods' Sun Day Red brand is teasing the launch of its first golf shoes with a trailer hinting at a release date of December 4, 2024, just before the Hero World Challenge. The shoes are part of Woods' new brand following his split with Nike, and he may wear them while hosting the tournament or playing in the PNC Championship later. The brand has previously offered various apparel and accessories, and the addition of shoes is expected to be well-received by fans.

Overheard in the Club House

Turning Down LIV Golf's $6.5M Gesture Not Enough as 'Double Standards' Allegations Plague DP World Tour

The DP World Tour faces criticism for its treatment of LIV Golf players, particularly regarding eligibility for events like the Ryder Cup. Players such as Sergio Garcia and Ian Poulter have been denied entry while others like Jon Rahm have been allowed to compete. LIV Golf's proposal to invest $6.45 million in the DP World Tour in exchange for easing restrictions was rejected, with the DP World Tour prioritizing its relationship with the PGA Tour. The situation highlights perceived double standards and ongoing tensions within the golf community.

McIlroy Names Four Events He's Likely To Cut From 2025 Schedule

Rory McIlroy plans to reduce his 2025 schedule, likely skipping four events including the Cognizant Classic, Valero Texas Open, RBC Heritage, and the FedEx St Jude Championship. He aims to focus on tournaments he enjoys to maintain his fitness and freshness, especially with the Ryder Cup approaching. McIlroy expressed that after years of playing 25 to 30 events annually, he wants to prioritize venues where he performs well and feels comfortable.

Former World No. 1 Jason Day reveals why he never left the PGA Tour for LIV Golf

Former World No. 1 Jason Day revealed he never left the PGA Tour for LIV Golf because he was never offered a contract due to his injury history. He expressed gratitude for staying on the PGA Tour, which led to his emotional victory at the 2023 Byron Nelson after a five-year winless drought. Day hopes for a reunion between LIV and PGA Tour players to compete in more events beyond the majors, emphasizing his neutral stance towards LIV and avoiding the politics surrounding it.

Tyrrell Hatton relishing Tour return and McIlroy battle after LIV Golf hiatus

Tyrrell Hatton has returned to the DP World Tour after a period with LIV Golf, aiming to qualify for the Ryder Cup. He successfully made four starts, including a win at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship. Currently competing in the Abu Dhabi Championship, Hatton is performing well, sitting at 12-under after two rounds, and is looking to catch the leader Paul Waring, who is at 19-under.

Pain Inflicted by Rory McIlroy & Co Treasured by LIV Golf Star Due to a Heartbreaking Reason

Bubba Watson reflects on the emotional significance of the 2010 Ryder Cup, where he made his debut while his father, Gerry, was on life support to watch him play. Despite the loss, the event holds deep meaning for Watson as it was the last tournament his father witnessed before passing away from throat cancer. Watson credits golf as a way to bond with his father and cherishes the memories created during that time.

Scottie Scheffler’s caddie, and 1 of his biggest errors (which led to 2 outbursts!)

Ted Scott, Scottie Scheffler's caddie, humorously recounted two significant errors he made during tournaments that led to Scheffler's outbursts. During the Memorial, Scott failed to read a crucial putt correctly, leading to a missed shot, which frustrated Scheffler. A similar mistake occurred at the U.S. Open, where Scott advised Scheffler based on his memory of a greens book, resulting in another missed putt. Both incidents highlighted the challenges caddies face and provided a light-hearted perspective on their role in the game.

Rules of Golf Review: I know there's a 14-club limit, but can I carry an extra driver head if I only use one?

Golf rules limit players to carrying 14 clubs, with penalties for exceeding this number in both stroke and match play. While extra clubs are prohibited, golfers can carry spare parts like driver heads or shafts without violating the rule, though these parts cannot be used during the round.

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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