Sunday, December 1, 2024

PlanetGolfNews + Marie Birdie

[ THE LEADERBOARD ]

Today’s Top Golf News in Three Minutes

Good Morning,

This past week in golf has been anything but quiet, with big money, high drama, and some groundbreaking achievements stealing the spotlight. PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan made headlines for his eye-popping $23 million paycheck in 2023, a significant bump from the $18.4 million he earned the previous year. This puts him among the highest-paid sports commissioners, second only to the NFL’s Roger Goodell. While Monahan’s compensation reflects the PGA Tour’s massive $4.33 billion revenue, his leadership hasn’t been without controversy. The deal with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund sparked heated debates, and his brief leave of absence due to health issues added to an already turbulent year.

On the course, Cameron Smith had a week he’d probably rather forget at the ISPS HANDA Australian Open. Starting strong with an impressive 65, Smith faltered in subsequent rounds, ultimately shooting a frustrating 76 to finish tied for 49th. His criticism of the course conditions, which he called “BS,” only added to the drama, as he expressed disappointment over how the wet weather was handled. While Smith struggled, others thrived. Defending champion Joaquin Niemann stormed back into contention with an incredible 8-under-par 64 in the third round, showcasing resilience after a bogey on his first hole. Niemann now sits just two shots off the leaders, Lucas Herbert and Ryggs Johnston, setting up an electrifying final round.

Speaking of surprises, Johnston, ranked World No. 953, is threatening to make history as the first rookie to win the Australian Open in a decade. Herbert shares the lead heading into the final day, while Curtis Luck and Joel Girrbach posted impressive rounds to climb into the mix. On the women’s side, South Korea’s Jiyai Shin leads the pack, adding even more excitement to the event in Melbourne.

Meanwhile, Peter Uihlein stole the show at the International Series Qatar with a commanding five-shot victory. His calm under pressure in tough conditions at Doha Golf Club was nothing short of masterful. This marks Uihlein’s second win of the year on The International Series and propels him to the top of the season-long rankings. South Africa’s Charl Schwartzel and Louis Oosthuizen gave chase but couldn’t catch Uihlein, whose steady putter and clutch birdies secured a well-deserved victory.

In other news, young Australian star Elvis Smylie continues to shine. Fresh off his Australian PGA Championship win, Smylie credits his perfectly tuned Titleist gear for his success. With a GT3 driver, customized irons, and a trusty Pro V1x ball, Smylie is proving that attention to detail pays off in spades. Speaking of equipment, Fujikura’s new Ventus Velocore+ shafts are making waves, offering precision and performance tailored to different swing styles. These innovations, along with Cobra’s revolutionary 3D-printed irons, show how technology is transforming the game.

For those looking to improve their own play, Jordan Spieth’s coach, Cameron McCormick, shared key tips to avoid “death moves” in the golf swing. From keeping the arms unstuck to managing wrist angles, these adjustments could make a significant difference in your game. And if you’re just here for the fun, David Micheluzzi delivered with a record-breaking 139-yard putt, an incredible feat that highlights the unpredictable joy of the sport.

This past week, golf delivered on all fronts—big money, career-defining performances, and cutting-edge innovations. Whether you’re following the drama of the Australian Open or marveling at world records, there’s never a dull moment in the world of golf.

[ Today’s Top Golf News ] 

Major Golf Tournaments happening this weekend

ISPS HANDA Australian Open - DP World Tour - Victoria GC - Melbourne, Australia

The third round of the 2024 ISPS HANDA Australian Open at Kingston Heath saw a dramatic shift in the leaderboard, with defending champion Joaquin Niemann surging into contention. Despite starting with a bogey on his first hole, Niemann recovered spectacularly, carding an impressive 8-under-par 64 to close the gap on the leaders. His round included seven birdies and an eagle on the par-5 first hole, propelling him to within two shots of joint leaders Lucas Herbert and Ryggs Johnston.

Other notable performances came from Curtis Luck and Joel Girrbach, who both shot excellent rounds of 65 to climb the leaderboard. Luck, a West Australian, and Girrbach, from Switzerland, now share eighth place at 11-under, just three shots behind the leaders. The stage is set for an exciting final round, with Niemann looking to defend his title and add his name to the Stonehaven Cup for a second consecutive year.

On the women’s side, South Korea’s Jiyai Shin leads the pack, adding even more excitement to the event in Melbourne.

• Who is leading the 2024 ISPS Handa Australian Open after day 3? Leaderboard explored

ISPS HANDA Australian Open Stories

• World No.953 threatening 10-year Aussie first - nine.com.au

• Rookie Ryggs looking a lethal weapon until 14th in Oz - rte.ie

• Herbert, Johnston share Australian Open lead. South Korea's Jiyai Shin leads women's event - apnews.com

• Ryggs Johnston joins Lucas Herbert in lead in Melbourne - europeantour.com

• ISPS HANDA Australian Open - Day three digest - europeantour.com

• Smith’s shock freefall as World No. 593 emerges as surprise threat to Aussie dream: Wrap - foxsports.com.au

• Look out, Niemann is lurking at Kingston Heath - pga.org.au

• 5 emerging stars who made the cut at the Australian Open 2024 ft. Ryggs Johnston - sportskeeda.com

ISPS HANDA Australian Open Videos

International Series Qatar - Asian Tour - Doha Golf Club - Doha, Qatar

LIV Golf star Peter Uihlein secured a commanding victory at The International Series Qatar, finishing with a five-shot lead at Doha Golf Club. The American, who played for RangeGoats GC in the 2024 LIV Golf League, shot a final-round 3-under 69 to end the tournament at 16 under par. This win marked Uihlein’s second victory on The International Series this year and propelled him to the top of The International Series Rankings. South African Charl Schwartzel claimed second place with a strong final-round 68, while his compatriot Louis Oosthuizen and Filipino Miguel Tabuena tied for third, two shots behind Schwartzel.

Uihlein’s performance was particularly impressive given the challenging conditions, with strong winds and fast, hard greens testing the players throughout the final round. He maintained his composure, sinking a crucial par putt on the 15th hole to maintain his lead and finishing strong with birdies on the 16th and 18th holes. Schwartzel, starting the day with an eagle on the first hole, posted the lowest round of the day, crediting his success to an exceptional putting performance. The tournament also had implications for the Asian Tour Order of Merit, with American John Catlin securing the title despite finishing tied for 19th in Qatar.

• International Series Qatar 2024 prize money breakdown & winner’s payout: How was the $2.5M divided?

International Series Qatar Stories

• Uihlein too strong in Doha, claims International Series Qatar - golfaustralia.com.au

• Peter Uihlein Holds Off Fellow LIV Golfers To Win International Series Qatar And Top Season-Long Standings - golfmonthly.com

• Uihlein Takes Crown in Doha - athlonsports.com

• Uihlein wins in Qatar, takes International Series lead - livgolf.com

• International Series Qatar 2024 final leaderboard & results - sportskeeda.com

• Final LIV Golf Leaderboard At The International Series Qatar - golfmonthly.com

International Series Qatar Videos

Today’s Best Golf Videos

What’s in the Bag (WITB)

Overheard in the Club House

UPCOMING TOURS

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