Planet Golf News for Sunday, January 19, 2025

Ernie Els wins season-opening Mitsubishi Electric Championship for 7th PGA Tour Champions title | Sepp Straka closes in on third PGA Tour title at The American Express | Daniel Hillier leads at Hero Dubai Desert Classic in bid for 'life-changing' win | Xander Schauffele Not Listed In TGL Match And Farmers Insurance Open After Reported 'Medical Issue'

Sunday, January 19, 2025

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[ THE LEADERBOARD ]

Today’s Top Golf News in Three Minutes

Good Morning,

Golf is serving up drama, triumphs, and a sprinkle of chaos this past week. Let’s dig into the highlights, where seasoned pros, fiery upstarts, and even some ill-timed meltdowns are dominating the headlines.

First up, Sepp Straka is on a roll at The American Express, entering the final round with a cool four-shot lead after a second consecutive 8-under 64. Straka, looking for his third PGA Tour win, has been nothing short of clinical at La Quinta, leaving Charley Hoffman, Jason Day, and Justin Lower trying to catch up. Will he hang onto that lead on the treacherous Stadium Course? Stay tuned, folks—it’s golf, and no lead is truly safe.

Meanwhile, over in Dubai, Daniel Hillier is staring down a life-changing victory at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic. With a two-under 70, Hillier leads Tyrrell Hatton by a single shot. Hatton’s been playing well, though not without drama—he even smashed a tee marker out of frustration. Hillier’s steady climb to glory might be overshadowed if Rory McIlroy, trailing by seven shots, pulls a Sunday miracle. Rory’s hoping for magic, but golf gods can be fickle.

Back stateside, Mark Hubbard is juggling more than golf. The American Express competitor opened up about the recent LA wildfires that deeply affected his family, showing how sport can provide solace in tough times. Despite the tragedy, Hubbard is finding perspective on what truly matters—an important reminder that, for all its intensity, golf is still just a game.

Not everyone’s week has been smooth. Xander Schauffele withdrew from the Farmers Insurance Open due to an undisclosed medical issue, marking his second consecutive no-show this season. Fellow top-ranked player Scottie Scheffler is also sidelined with a hand injury, leaving the Farmers’ leaderboard wide open for stars like Collin Morikawa and Hideki Matsuyama to shine.

And in the Korn Ferry Tour, the Bahamas Great Abaco Classic kicks off, offering emerging talents a shot at PGA Tour dreams. With a million-dollar purse and critical ranking points on the line, the event is a stepping stone for future stars. Speaking of young talent, 17-year-old Blades Brown has already made waves at The American Express, breaking a 40-year-old record for the lowest score by a player under 18. This kid doesn’t just play golf—he makes history.

But not all records are ones you want. Rookie William Mouw posted an octuple bogey 13 at the Stadium Course’s 16th hole. Yes, you read that right—13 strokes on one hole. Mouw’s meltdown is a stark reminder that even the best can have a bad day (or, you know, a nightmare).

Finally, Ernie Els kicked off the PGA Champions Tour with a bang, winning the Mitsubishi Electric Championship in Hawaii. The “Big Easy” proved age is just a number with a flawless final round to clinch his seventh Champions title. Meanwhile, legends like Bernhard Langer and Miguel Ángel Jiménez showed they’ve still got game, even as they push the boundaries of “veteran.”

In a week packed with soaring highs and frustrating lows, the storylines remind us why we love this sport. Whether it’s a runaway leader, a fiery meltdown, or an unexpected triumph, golf never fails to keep us guessing. So, grab a beverage, settle in, and enjoy the chaos—it’s only getting better from here.

Today’s Top Golf News 

Today’s Feature Golf Reads

Major Golf Tournaments happening this weekend

Sepp Straka closes in on third PGA Tour title at The American Expres

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

Sepp Straka of Austria has taken control of The American Express tournament after an impressive third round at La Quinta Country Club in La Quinta, California. Straka shot his second consecutive 8-under-par 64, propelling him to a four-stroke lead heading into the final round. His stellar performance included a bogey-free round, highlighted by two hat tricks of birdies on holes 7-9 and 16-18.

Straka's three-day total of 23-under par has put him in a commanding position, but he remains cautious, acknowledging that no lead is safe on the challenging Pete Dye Stadium Course, where the final round will be played. The Austrian golfer, seeking his third PGA Tour victory and first since the 2023 John Deere Classic, emphasized the importance of maintaining his form and hitting his spots in the upcoming round.

Chasing Straka are a trio of players tied for second place at 19-under par: Charley Hoffman, Justin Lower, and Jason Day. Hoffman, who shared the lead after two rounds, posted a 69 on the Stadium course. Lower carded a 68, while Day shot a 67, both also navigating the more challenging Stadium layout.

Further down the leaderboard, Patrick Cantlay made a move with a 66 on the Stadium Course, finishing with three consecutive birdies to join Mark Hubbard in a tie for fifth at 18-under par. Justin Thomas sits alone in seventh place at 17-under par after a 68.

The tournament, known for its low scoring due to the use of three different courses over the first three rounds, has lived up to expectations. Players have been rotating between the Pete Dye Stadium Course, Nicklaus Tournament Course, and La Quinta Country Club, with each presenting unique challenges and scoring opportunities.

As the tournament heads into its final round, all eyes will be on Straka to see if he can maintain his lead on the Stadium Course, widely regarded as the most challenging of the three. With its firm greens and strategic layout, the Stadium Course is expected to test the leaders and potentially shake up the leaderboard on Sunday.

American Express Stories

American Express Videos

2025 Mitsubishi Electric Championship at Hualalai final results

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

The 2025 Mitsubishi Electric Championship at Hualalai concluded with a thrilling finish on Saturday, January 18, 2025. Ernie Els emerged victorious, securing his seventh PGA Tour Champions title with an impressive 18-under par total of 198.

Els, who started the final round tied for the lead with Alex Cejka, delivered a stellar performance, carding a 6-under 66 in the final round to clinch a two-shot victory. The win marks a significant achievement for the World Golf Hall of Fame member, adding to his previous successes in Hawaii, including victories at The Sentry in 2003 and the Sony Open in 2003 and 2004.

The leaderboard was tightly contested throughout the tournament. Bernhard Langer, Miguel Angel Jiménez, and Alex Cejka finished in a three-way tie for second place at 16-under par. Langer, at 67 years old, continued to defy age with an exceptional performance, including a second-round 63 that put him in contention.

Steven Alker and Jerry Kelly rounded out the top five, finishing tied for fifth place at 15-under par. The tournament showcased the competitive nature of the PGA Tour Champions, with several players vying for the title until the final holes.

Els’ victory earned him the top prize of $340,000 from the total purse of $2 million. The win not only adds to his impressive career achievements but also provides a strong start to his 2025 PGA Tour Champions campaign.

Mitsubishi Electric Championship Stories

Mitsubishi Electric Championship Videos

Daniel Hillier leads at Hero Dubai Desert Classic in bid for 'life-changing' win, Rory McIlroy trails by seven

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

The third round of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic at Emirates Golf Club in Dubai, UAE saw Daniel Hillier of New Zealand take the lead with a two-under 70, putting him at 13-under par for the tournament. Hillier finished strong with birdies on the final two holes, giving him a one-stroke advantage heading into the final round.

Tyrrell Hatton of England is in second place at 12-under par after shooting a four-under 68. Hatton, ranked 17th in the world, is seen as the biggest threat to Hillier and is aiming for his fifth Rolex Series event victory.

Ewen Ferguson of Scotland, who led after the second round, struggled on Saturday with a 74, dropping him to third place at 10-under par. Laurie Canter and Ryan Fox are tied for fourth at 9-under par.

Rory McIlroy, the defending champion seeking his third straight title at this event, shot a 69 to move into a tie for 12th place. However, at 6-under par, he trails the leader by seven shots and will need an exceptional final round to contend for the title.

The tournament has also featured strong performances from amateurs, with David Ford, a senior at the University of North Carolina, moving into the top 15 after a third-round 70.

The final round promises to be exciting, with Hillier aiming for the biggest win of his career and Hatton looking to add another prestigious title to his resume.

DP World Tour Highlight Videos

2025 The Bahamas Great Abaco Classic at The Abaco Club

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 beginning today and running thru Wednesday, 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 2025 Bahamas Great Abaco Classic features a total purse of $1,000,000, with the winner's share amounting to $180,000, reflecting the standard 18 percent payout of the Korn Ferry Tour. The tournament, taking place from Sunday to Wednesday, offers 500 Korn Ferry Tour points to the winner and is set to showcase prominent players such as Hank Lebioda, Robert Streb, and Cameron Champ. In addition to monetary rewards, the winner will gain approximately 14 Official World Golf Ranking points, which will enhance their global ranking. The event serves as the second competition of the 2025 Korn Ferry Tour season, vital for players aiming for a PGA Tour card through accumulated points.

Ryder Cup (Sept 25-28, 2025)

Today’s Best Golf Videos

Overheard in the Club House

UPCOMING TOURS

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.

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