Planet Golf News for Sunday, December 22, 2024

With son, Tiger Woods has shot at lifting first trophy in 5 years | AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open: Eddie Pepperell, Dylan Naidoo Share 54-Hole Lead | Report: Viewing Figures For The Showdown Lower Than Most Editions Of The Match

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PGN News Team
December 22, 2024

Sunday, December 22, 2024

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[ THE LEADERBOARD ]

Today’s Top Golf News in Three Minutes

Good Morning,

Golf fans, gather ‘round—there’s plenty to talk about this weekend. Between Tiger Woods lighting up the PNC Championship with his son Charlie, Eddie Pepperell battling for glory in Mauritius, and some lukewarm ratings drama, there’s no shortage of drama, triumph, and the occasional eye-roll in the golf world. Let’s dig in, shall we?

First up, the feel-good story of the year (or at least the week): Tiger Woods and his son Charlie sharing the lead at the PNC Championship. Yeah, you read that right. After what feels like the hundredth “comeback” following another round of back surgeries, Tiger was out there dropping birdies like it was 2001. The dynamic duo finished the first round at 13-under, thanks to a blistering back nine where they casually rolled in five consecutive birdies. Also tied for the lead? Bernhard Langer and his son Jason, as well as Vijay Singh and his son Qass, because apparently, golf dynasties are alive and well. If nothing else, the event is a heartwarming reminder that golf is sometimes about family… and always about bragging rights.

Meanwhile, professional golf’s much-hyped showdown between PGA stars and LIV Golf players didn’t exactly set the world—or anyone’s TVs—on fire. Pulling a meager 625,000 viewers, the latest installment of The Match fell flatter than a poorly struck chip. Considering the star-studded hype leading up to the event, it’s safe to say the audience decided their time was better spent on literally anything else. Perhaps golf’s execs should take a few notes on what actually gets fans excited (hint: it’s not forced drama).

Over in paradise, the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open brought its own kind of fireworks as Eddie Pepperell and Dylan Naidoo ended the third round tied for the lead. Pepperell’s steady play has been a masterclass in bouncing back, while Naidoo stormed up the leaderboard despite gnarly winds. The stakes? Nothing less than a juicy $200,000 bonus and a golden ticket to prestigious DP World Tour events. Not bad for a weekend in the tropics.

In other news, Tiger’s fitness is still a hot topic—unsurprisingly. He admits he’s a long way from regular PGA Tour action, though watching him cruise around in a cart while Charlie does the heavy lifting is probably inspiring dads everywhere to pick up their clubs. Speaking of Tiger, his reunion with John Daly at the PNC brought some chuckles as they debated the merits of gyms (or, in Daly’s case, bars). Honestly, we’re just here for the banter.

Elsewhere, Rory McIlroy had some thoughts on TGL’s fan engagement strategy. He reckons the regional team vibes will make TGL more relatable than LIV Golf’s “rich dudes playing golf on weekends” aesthetic. Bold claims, Rory, but we’re intrigued. Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau had a misadventure of his own, ending up in Williamsport, PA, on his way to a football game. Rumor has it the locals suggested he hit the bar—though hopefully, not with the same intensity as his driver.

And for anyone looking to spice up their golf game: try channeling your inner baseball slugger before your next round. Apparently, mimicking a homerun swing is the new trick for adding distance. Just don’t blame us if your buddies start calling you Babe Ruth on the tee box.

That’s the latest from the fairways and greens this weekend. Now, go work on your birdie celebrations—you never know when you’ll need them.

[ Today’s Top Golf News ] 

Tiger, son Charlie close strong, share PNC lead

Tiger Woods and his son Charlie share the lead at the PNC Championship after a strong performance, including five consecutive birdies, marking Woods' return to competition following back surgery. The tournament emphasizes family participation, with several father-son teams in contention.

Report: Viewing Figures For The Showdown Lower Than Most Editions Of The Match

The recent showdown between PGA Tour stars and LIV Golf players attracted only 625,000 viewers, marking one of the lowest ratings in the series' history, despite significant pre-match hype. This reflects a broader trend of declining viewership for professional golf events.

Major Golf Tournaments happening this weekend

Team Woods seizes share of first-round lead at PNC Championship

2024 PNC Championship - Ritz-Carlton Golf Club - Orlando, Grande Lake, FL

The 2024 PNC Championship at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club in Orlando, Florida, has kicked off with an exciting first round. This unique tournament pairs major champions with family members in a two-day scramble format, creating a blend of competitive golf and family bonding.

After the first day of play, three teams are tied for the lead at 13-under par. Tiger Woods and his son Charlie Woods, who are making their fifth straight appearance in the event, delivered an impressive performance. They started strong with three consecutive birdies and continued their momentum with five straight birdies on the back nine. Their round of 59 put them in a share of the top spot on the leaderboard.

Joining Team Woods at the summit are the defending champions, Bernhard Langer and his son Jason, as well as Vijay Singh and his son Qass. All three teams finished their rounds with birdies on the 18th hole to secure their positions at the top.

Just behind the leaders are Tom and Sean Lehman, along with Padraig and Paddy Harrington, both teams sitting at 12-under par. Mark O'Meara and his partner are close behind at 11-under.

The tournament has already seen some remarkable moments, including LPGA legend Annika Sörenstam and her son Will McGee opening with seven consecutive birdies. Nick Price, a three-time major champion, highlighted his round with an eagle putt on the final hole.

Despite chilly conditions in Florida, with temperatures around 11°C (51°F), the scoring has been low as expected in this scramble format. The field of 20 family pairs includes a mix of current stars and golf legends, creating an entertaining and heartwarming atmosphere.

As the tournament heads into its final round on Sunday, all eyes will be on the leaders to see who can claim victory in this special event that celebrates golf and family.

PNC Championship  Stories

What rust? Team Woods shoots 59, shares lead at PNC Championship

Tiger Woods and his son Charlie shot a 13-under 59 to share the lead at the PNC Championship, marking Woods' first competitive appearance since July. They combined for 13 birdies and aim for their first win together in this unofficial team event.

PNC Championship  Videos

Eddie Pepperell tees up chance for huge win alongside 'Top-10 Jen'

AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open - DP World Tour - Mont Choisy Le Golf - Grand Bale, Mauritus

The third round of the 2025 AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open at Mont Choisy Le Golf in Grand Baie, Mauritius, concluded with Eddie Pepperell and Dylan Naidoo tied for the lead. The two players battled through windy conditions to maintain their positions at the top of the leaderboard after 54 holes.

Pepperell, who had been leading since the first round, continued his strong performance. The Englishman is seeking to regain his DP World Tour playing privileges after narrowly missing out on a card at Qualifying School last month. His consistent play throughout the tournament has put him in a prime position to achieve this goal.

Dylan Naidoo, who wasn't mentioned in the earlier rounds, made a significant move up the leaderboard to join Pepperell at the top. The South African player demonstrated resilience and skill to navigate the challenging windy conditions and secure his share of the lead.

The tournament, which is jointly sanctioned by the DP World Tour and Sunshine Tour, has seen some impressive performances from other players as well. Hamish Brown, a Danish rookie and European Challenge Tour graduate, had been tied for the lead with Pepperell after the second round but appears to have slipped back slightly in the third round.

As the final tournament of the DP World Tour's Opening Swing on the 2025 Race to Dubai, there's more at stake than just the tournament victory. The overall winner of the Opening Swing will earn a $200,000 bonus and exemptions into prestigious DP World Tour events.

With the final round set for today, the stage is set for an exciting conclusion to this event in paradise, as players compete for the title and valuable Race to Dubai ranking points.

AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open  Stories

AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open  Videos

Ryder Cup (Sept 25-28, 2025)

Why Keegan Bradley's Ryder Cup captaincy remains one of the year's best surprises

Keegan Bradley's selection as the U.S. Ryder Cup captain for 2025 surprised many, but his recent successes and deep passion for the event make him a fitting choice. His local ties to Bethpage Black and strong performance in recent tournaments enhance his candidacy for both captaincy and potential play on the team.

Overheard in the Club House

Bryson DeChambeau unexpectedly diverted en route to CFP game

Bryson DeChambeau arrived late to the College Football Playoff game between SMU and Penn State due to his plane being diverted to Williamsport, PA, missing much of the first half as Penn State took a commanding lead. Despite the disappointing outcome, he was advised to enjoy the local bar scene afterward.

What Rory McIlroy Thinks The TGL Will Do 'A Little Bit Better' Than LIV Golf

Rory McIlroy believes TGL will better connect with fans through regional team affiliations compared to LIV Golf, which lacks geographical ties. He sees TGL as complementary to traditional golf, aiming to attract a younger audience while maintaining the essence of championship golf.

Tiger Woods greets John Daly at PNC — and they talk ‘3-letter words’

Tiger Woods and John Daly shared a light-hearted moment at the PNC Championship, reminiscing about past encounters and joking about their different gym habits, with Daly humorously noting that his gym is a "bar."

'I Still Have A Long Way To Go' - Tiger Woods Gives Fitness Update Following Back Surgery

Tiger Woods updates on his recovery from back surgery, stating he's not ready for regular golf but is participating in the PNC Championship with his son, Charlie. He emphasizes the importance of daily preparation and acknowledges the challenges of his ongoing recovery process.

Ladies European Tour Q-School Results: Curtis Cup Stars Among LET Q-School Winners

At the Ladies European Tour Q-School, Daniela Darquea secured first place with a total of 24-under, followed closely by Darcey Harry. Notable qualifiers include Curtis Cup stars Sara Byrne and Mimi Rhodes, with players from 18 countries earning spots for the 2025 season.

Sportscaster blades bunker shot into TGL arena's stands, shows just how close fans will be

Fans attending TGL matches should be cautious as the intimate setting allows for the possibility of errant shots reaching the stands, as demonstrated by a recent bunker shot that flew into the empty audience area during Media Day.

Watch: The Masters posts a Christmas-themed hype video

The Masters released a 21-second Christmas-themed teaser video for the 2025 tournament, featuring bell ringers and a glimpse of the popular Masters gnome, generating excitement just days before Christmas.

Golf instruction: Baseball swings can help you with your distance

Using baseball swings before golfing can improve your swing by loosening your body and enhancing rotation, helping with issues like steep swings and slow wrist release.

Latest Official World Golf Ranking

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Latest FedExCup Standings

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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.

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