Planet Golf News for Sunday, November 24, 2024

Maverick McNealy, Joseph Bramlett fates intertwine at The RSM Classic | The LPGA's most colorful character is on verge of breakthrough | Cameron Smith channels inner LIV Golf on Tour return with Party Hole showing

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PGN News Team
November 24, 2024

Sunday, November 24, 2024

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Today’s Top Golf News in Three Minutes

Good Morning,

Golf’s Big Weekend: $4M Showdowns, Australian Glory, and Controversy Over Coverage

This weekend, golf fans are treated to a spectacle of drama, high stakes, and record-breaking moments across the globe. From Florida to Georgia to Australia, the sport is buzzing with storylines that underscore its unpredictability and excitement.

At the CME Group Tour Championship, Angel Yin and Jeeno Thitikul are locked in a thrilling duel at 15-under par, setting the stage for a Sunday showdown with $4 million on the line—the largest first-place prize in women’s golf history. Thitikul, bouncing back from injury, dazzled with a tournament-low 63, while Yin has fought through a challenging season to stay in contention. Just three shots back, Ruoning Yin, Charley Hull, and Na Rin An are still in the hunt. Meanwhile, Nelly Korda is chasing history, eyeing Lorena Ochoa’s all-time earnings record with a strong finish.

Off the course, the CME event stirred controversy when CME Group CEO Terry Duffy called out the LPGA Tour for not airing Saturday’s third round live, labeling the decision “bulls**t.” The tournament, boasting record-breaking prize pools, deserves live primetime coverage, argued Duffy—and he’s not wrong. Players like Korda have echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the importance of showcasing the pinnacle of women’s golf.

Meanwhile, over at the RSM Classic in Georgia, Maverick McNealy and Vince Whaley share the lead at 14-under par heading into the final round. McNealy, still searching for his first PGA Tour win in 142 starts, delivered a stellar 66 on Saturday, while Whaley kept pace with consistent play. With eight players within three shots of the lead, Sunday promises a nail-biting finale. For Joseph Bramlett, the stakes are even higher: sitting 147th in the FedExCup standings, he needs a miracle finish to retain his PGA TOUR card.

Down under at the BMW Australian PGA Championship, Cameron Smith is making headlines as he aims to join the ranks of legends by winning his fourth title at this event. After rain shortened the tournament to 54 holes, Smith and rising star Elvis Smylie are tied at 10-under. Smylie briefly surged ahead with a hot start in the final round, but Smith, the hometown hero, remains in striking distance. Marc Leishman, just one shot back, adds to the all-Australian flavor of the leaderboard. The storied event at Royal Queensland is a battle of local stars, with Smith relishing the cheers of family and friends as he pushes for glory.

In the midst of all this, Patrick Reed turned heads at the Hong Kong Open by firing a historic 59—only the second ever on the Asian Tour. His bogey-free round featured a blistering start with five consecutive birdies, showcasing a return to form after a challenging season. Though questions linger about the official recognition of the score due to preferred lies, the performance was nothing short of extraordinary.

While the action unfolds, golf’s bigger picture continues to evolve. The outgoing R&A CEO, Martin Slumbers, has urged men’s professional golf to sort out its financial stability and governance, all while praising the sport’s growth and the strides made in women’s golf. His comments highlight a sport at a crossroads, balancing tradition with the demands of modern audiences and players.

With thrilling finales and compelling storylines across every time zone, this weekend encapsulates everything we love about golf: the talent, the stakes, and the constant pursuit of greatness. Buckle up for a dramatic Sunday—you won’t want to miss a moment.

[ Today’s Top Golf News ] 

$4 million up for grabs as Thitikul, Yin battle for season-finale title

Angel Yin and Jeeno Thitikul are tied at 15-under par heading into the final round of the CME Group Tour Championship, competing for a record $4 million first-place prize. Both players have already secured $1 million from the Aon Risk Reward Challenge. Thitikul, recovering from an injury, has shown strong performance with a tournament-low 63, while Yin has navigated challenges throughout the season, including an ankle injury. Ruoning Yin trails at 12-under, with Charley Hull and Na Rin An close behind at 11-under. Nelly Korda aims to break the all-time earnings record, needing a strong finish to surpass Lorena Ochoa's mark.

CME Group Boss Slams LPGA Tour Decision Not To Show Live Third Round Coverage Of Event

Terry Duffy, CEO of CME Group, criticized the LPGA Tour's decision to air the third round of the CME Group Tour Championship on tape delay, calling it "bulls**t." He emphasized that a tournament of such significance should be broadcast live and expressed his disappointment to LPGA commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan. Despite a record prize pool of over $131 million for 2025, the lack of live coverage was seen as detrimental to women's sports, with top players like Nelly Korda advocating for more primetime TV exposure to showcase their achievements.

6 Key Takeaways From R&A Chief Executive Martin Slumbers' Interview As Departing Boss Calls On Men's Pro Game To 'Sort Itself Out'

Martin Slumbers, the departing CEO of R&A, emphasizes the need for the men's professional golf to address its financial sustainability and improve its image. He highlights the overall growth of golf participation post-COVID, the diminishing reliance on star players for interest, and the positive developments in women's golf. Slumbers expresses pride in the progress of The Open and notes that while discussions about hosting the championship at Trump Turnberry continue, it won't happen until the focus is solely on golf.

Major Golf Tournaments happening this weekend

Maverick McNealy, Joseph Bramlett fates intertwine at The RSM Classic

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

The RSM Classic, the final tournament of the 2024 PGA TOUR season, is reaching its climax at Sea Island Golf Club in St. Simons Island, Georgia. Maverick McNealy and Vince Whaley are tied for the lead at 14-under par heading into Sunday’s final round.

McNealy, a Stanford alum, shot a third-round 66 to join Whaley atop the leaderboard. The tournament remains wide open, with six players having shared the lead at various points during Saturday’s eventful third round. McNealy, currently 52nd in the FedExCup Fall standings, is seeking his first PGA TOUR victory in 142 starts.

The leaderboard is tightly packed, with eight players either leading or within three shots of the lead going into Sunday. Among the contenders is Michael Thorbjornsen, who is also in the mix for the title.

Adding to the drama, players are not only competing for the RSM Classic trophy but also fighting to secure their PGA TOUR status for next year. The tournament has significant implications for the top-125 in the FedExCup standings and the Aon Next 10, which will determine eligibility for certain Signature Events in the upcoming season.

One compelling storyline involves Joseph Bramlett, another Stanford alum and close friend of McNealy. Bramlett shot a 64 on Saturday to move into a tie for 12th place. Currently 147th in the FedExCup Fall standings, Bramlett needs a strong finish on Sunday to have a chance at retaining his TOUR card for next season.

The final round promises to be exciting, with players teeing off from both the 1st and 10th tees. The last group, featuring Whaley, McNealy, and Daniel Berger, is scheduled to start at 11:06 a.m. from the first tee.

As the 2024 PGA TOUR season comes to a close, The RSM Classic is set to provide a thrilling finish with multiple storylines and career-defining moments on the line for many players in the field.

The RSM Classic Stories

The RSM Classic Videos

The LPGA's most colorful character is on verge of breakthrough

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

The CME Group Tour Championship at Tiburon Golf Club in Naples, Florida, has reached an exciting stage as the tournament heads into its final round on Sunday. After Saturday’s play, Jeeno Thitikul and Angel Yin have emerged as co-leaders, setting the stage for a thrilling finish.

Charley Hull made a significant move up the leaderboard during Saturday’s round. The English golfer carded an impressive 6-under 66, propelling her from a tie for ninth into a share of fourth place. Hull’s strong performance included a blistering front nine where she recorded six birdies.

Angel Yin, who held the lead after Friday’s round, continued her solid play. The American has shown consistency throughout the tournament, managing to navigate the challenging conditions at Tiburon Golf Club. Yin’s ability to read the greens, with the help of her caddie Michelle, has been a key factor in her success so far.

Jeeno Thitikul has joined Yin at the top of the leaderboard, setting up a dramatic final round. The two players will be looking to fend off a strong chasing pack on Sunday.

Nelly Korda, the world’s top-ranked player, is also in contention. After a difficult first round, Korda bounced back with a bogey-free 6-under par round on Friday, which included a spectacular eagle on the par-4 3rd hole. She now sits just four shots off the lead, well within striking distance of the leaders.

The tournament has seen its share of challenges, with wind and firm conditions affecting scoring, particularly during Friday’s afternoon play. Despite this, several players have managed to post impressive scores, setting the stage for an exciting conclusion to the LPGA Tour’s season-ending event.

As the tournament enters its final day, all eyes will be on the leaders and the chasing pack, including defending champion Amy Yang and Vare Trophy contender Ayaka Furue. With so much at stake, Sunday’s round promises to be a fitting climax to the CME Group Tour Championship and the LPGA Tour season.

CME Group Tour Stories

CME Group Tour Videos

Cameron Smith moves into a share of the 2nd-round lead at the rain-shortened Australian PGA

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

The BMW Australian PGA Championship at Royal Queensland Golf Club in Brisbane, Australia, has seen an exciting turn of events as the tournament heads into its final round. After heavy rainfall forced the event to be shortened to 54 holes, the second round was completed on Saturday in glorious sunshine.

Cameron Smith and Elvis Smylie emerged as co-leaders at 10-under par after the second round. Smith, the 2022 British Open champion, fired an impressive 7-under 65, while Smylie, a 22-year-old from the Gold Coast and former recipient of the Cameron Smith Scholarship, carded a solid 67.

Marc Leishman sits just one shot behind at 9-under, setting up an all-Australian final group for Sunday’s decisive round. The leaderboard is dominated by home talent, with only five non-Australian players in the top 16.

As the final round began, Smylie got off to a hot start with birdies on his first two holes, taking the outright lead at 12-under. Smith responded with a birdie on the first hole to reach 11-under, maintaining the pressure on his young challenger.

The tournament has added significance for Smith, who is aiming to become only the fifth golfer in the 95-year history of the Australian PGA to win the event at least four times. The hometown hero expressed his excitement about competing in what he considers his home event, with family and friends cheering him on.

Further down the leaderboard, Jason Day is four shots off the pace at 8-under, while defending champion Min Woo Lee finished his tournament with a strong 5-under 66 in the final round to end at 7-under overall.

The stage is set for an thrilling conclusion to the BMW Australian PGA Championship, with local favorites battling it out for the prestigious title at Royal Queensland Golf Club.

BMW Australian PGA Championship Stories

BMW Australian PGA Championship Videos

The Ryder Cup (Sept 22-28, 2025)

Sergio Garcia makes LIV Golf sacrifice Jon Rahm won't to secure Ryder Cup return

Sergio Garcia has paid over $1 million in fines to the DP World Tour to secure his return to the Ryder Cup in 2025, a move not yet made by fellow LIV Golf player Jon Rahm. While Garcia has reapplied for membership, Rahm, who has maintained his membership, is unwilling to pay his fines. Both players aim to be part of the Ryder Cup team, with Garcia seeking to rejoin the tour to be eligible, as confirmed by team captain Luke Donald.

Today’s Best Golf Videos

What’s in the Bag (WITB)

Here's what to make of the zero torque putter craze | Fully Equipped

Zero torque putters are gaining widespread attention in the golf world, with major manufacturers like Odyssey and Bettinardi releasing new models to join established players like L.A.B. Golf. The design places the center of gravity directly under the shaft axis to keep the putter square during the stroke. While professional players like Adam Scott, Lucas Glover, and Justin Rose have found success with these putters, experts note that the effectiveness varies by individual. Some golfers, particularly those with a "rocker" stroke style, may benefit from the design, while others who accelerate through the ball might find it less suitable.

Overheard in the Club House

Patrick Reed Makes History With Second Ever 59 On Asian Tour

Patrick Reed made history by shooting a 59 at the Hong Kong Golf Club, marking the second-ever 59 in Asian Tour history. Despite not having won in 2024, this performance puts him in a strong position to claim his first victory of the year. Reed's round included five consecutive birdies at the start and three more in the final holes, leading to a significant lead over competitors Rashid Khan and Nitithorn Thippong.

Why this college star decided to sign with LIV Golf

David Puig, a college golf star, chose to sign with LIV Golf instead of pursuing the traditional PGA Tour route, citing immediate financial benefits and support from his family and team. Despite initial skepticism and criticism from the golf community, Puig has embraced his decision, enjoying the global exposure and camaraderie with other top players, while acknowledging the challenges of being suspended from the PGA Tour.

'There Are Other Teams And My Agent Is Talking' - Eugenio Chacarra Hoping To Find New LIV Golf Team

Eugenio Chacarra, recently released from Fireballs GC for the 2025 LIV Golf season, is exploring options for a new team. After a strong performance at the Hong Kong Open, he plans to discuss potential opportunities at the upcoming PIF Saudi International. Despite a challenging 2024 season marred by injuries, Chacarra remains optimistic about his future in golf and is eager to improve his game.

Korn Ferry Tour Player Gives Emotional Interview After Q-School Victory

Marcelo Rozo, after finishing 128th on the Korn Ferry Points list, won his Second Stage site at Q-School, regaining his tour status. In an emotional interview, he expressed gratitude for his family and friends who supported him financially. Rozo's victory earned him eight guaranteed starts in 2025, with the potential for five PGA Tour cards available in the upcoming Final Stage.

After ‘worst warmup ever,’ Patrick Reed ties record. But does it count?

Patrick Reed shot a 59 at the Hong Kong Open, but its official recognition is complicated due to preferred lies rules. While the round counts for the tournament, it may not be recognized in record books, contrasting with previous rounds that were played under normal conditions. Despite this, Reed's performance was impressive, leading him to a three-shot advantage going into the final round, marking a potential return to form after a challenging period in his career.

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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