Planet Golf News for Sunday, October 20, 2024

J.T. Poston, Doug Ghim in front at delayed Shriner's event | Hannah Green maintains a two-stroke advantage after the third round of the BMW Ladies Championship | Ken Duke takes one-stroke lead into final round at Dominion Energy Charity Classic

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PGN News Team
October 20, 2024 • Reading Time: 21 minutes

Sunday, October 20, 2024

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[ THE LEADERBOARD ]

Today’s Top Golf News in Three Minutes

Good Morning,

The world of golf is seeing its fair share of price hikes, intense competitions, and intriguing storylines this week. Fans and volunteers alike are expressing frustration as the 2025 Ryder Cup gears up for Bethpage Black, with ticket prices skyrocketing to $750 and volunteers now required to pay a $350 fee, the highest ever for a major golf event. Many are concerned that the PGA of America is pricing out both spectators and volunteers, making golf’s premier team event less accessible. The PGA, however, is standing firm, citing market demand to justify these increases.

On the LPGA front, Australia’s Hannah Green is showing no signs of slowing down at the BMW Ladies Championship in South Korea. After setting a 36-hole tournament record, she’s been holding her lead into the final rounds, aiming for a wire-to-wire win. Green has been playing confidently, staying nearly bogey-free, with her closest challengers being South Africa’s Ashleigh Buhai and local favorite Yu Jin Sung, who is just two strokes behind after an incredible 9-under 63.

Meanwhile, over in Las Vegas, the Shriners Children’s Open has been struggling with weather delays, with strong winds postponing play and throwing the tournament schedule off track. J.T. Poston and Doug Ghim are sharing the lead at 15-under, but they’re not out of the woods yet. A tightly packed leaderboard, with names like Matti Schmid and Taylor Pendrith right behind, ensures an exciting final stretch. Defending champion Tom Kim missed the cut, but the final round still promises some low scores and dramatic moments.

On the DP World Tour, the Andalucia Masters in Spain has seen some incredible action with Julien Guerrier and Jorge Campillo sharing the lead after a thrilling third round. Guerrier set a new course record with a 9-under 63, while Campillo remained steady with 54 bogey-free holes. Jon Rahm, sitting seven shots back, hasn’t thrown in the towel just yet and could still make a push as the tournament comes to a close.

In the PGA Tour Champions, Ken Duke is holding a slim lead at the Dominion Energy Charity Classic, the first leg of the Charles Schwab Cup Playoffs. With big names like Jerry Kelly and Padraig Harrington hot on his heels, it’s shaping up to be a tense final day in Richmond, Virginia. Every point counts as players fight to advance in the playoffs and secure a spot in the next event.

This weekend’s tournaments are full of suspense and high-stakes play, with record-breaking performances, weather challenges, and playoff implications keeping golf fans on the edge of their seats. Whether it’s Hannah Green’s potential wire-to-wire victory or the packed leaderboard at TPC Summerlin, there’s plenty of excitement as these tournaments approach their conclusions.

[ Today’s Top Golf News ] 

After $750 Bethpage tickets, Ryder Cup also balloons prices for volunteers

The PGA of America is charging volunteers a $350 fee for the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black in September 2025, marking a significant increase from previous events. This fee is the highest ever for volunteers at a major golf event and comes alongside a $750 ticket price for fans, raising concerns about accessibility and the treatment of volunteers. The PGA defends the pricing as a response to market conditions and demand, despite criticism from volunteers who feel the costs are excessive for minimal benefits.

Hannah Green Separates From the Pack After 36-Holes at the BMW Ladies Championship

Hannah Green leads the BMW Ladies Championship after a strong performance, finishing with a 36-hole score of 128, a record for the event. She maintained a bogey-free round with four birdies, showcasing improved confidence in her ball striking. Ashleigh Buhai trails her at 14-under, while Jenny Shin and Lydia Ko are tied for third. Ko remains bogey-free with 11 birdies, aiming for her third consecutive victory. Defending champion Minjee Lee is currently tied for 40th after a one-over second round.

[ Today’s Feature Golf Reads ] 

Major Golf Tournaments happening this weekend

J.T. Poston, Doug Ghim in front at delayed Shriner's event

Shriners Children’s Open - PGA Tour - TPC Summerlin - Las Vegas, NV

The third round of the Shriners Children's Open at TPC Summerlin in Las Vegas has been marked by challenging weather conditions and suspended play. High winds delayed the start of Friday's action by nearly four hours, forcing the tournament into catch-up mode for the remainder of the weekend.

As play resumed on Saturday, J.T. Poston and Doug Ghim emerged as co-leaders at 15-under par. Poston made a strong push in the latter part of his round, carding three birdies and an eagle over his final six holes to complete a 6-under 65. This impressive finish propelled him to the top of the leaderboard alongside Ghim.

Matti Schmid, who entered the FedExCup Fall season seeking to secure a full PGA TOUR card for next year, matched Poston's 65 with a bogey-free round. His steady play in the windy conditions has positioned him as a strong contender.

Taylor Pendrith, who held the lead after an impressive first-round 61, maintained his position near the top of the leaderboard. Despite facing more challenging conditions in the afternoon wave, Pendrith remained even through six holes of his second round when play was suspended due to darkness on Friday.

Other notable players in contention include Rico Hoey and Norman Xiong, who sit just one shot behind the leaders. Ryan McCormick is also in the mix, two strokes off the pace.

The tournament has faced significant disruptions due to the weather, with the strong winds creating a notable advantage for players who were able to complete their rounds in calmer conditions. As a result, the event is behind schedule.

Defending champion Tom Kim, who was aiming to become the first player since Steve Stricker to win the same PGA TOUR event three consecutive years, unfortunately missed the cut. The cut line was established at 3-under 139, eliminating several notable players from the weekend competition.

As the tournament heads into its final stages, players will be looking to capitalize on scoring opportunities at TPC Summerlin, known for its potential for low scores. With the leaderboard tightly packed, the Shriners Children's Open promises an exciting finish as competitors vie for the title and crucial FedExCup points in the Fall series.

Shriners Children’s Open Stories

JT Poston Followed Rickie Fowler’s Steps & Outshined the Struggling 35YO: ‘That’s the Benefit’

JT Poston excelled at the Shriners Children’s Open, leading the tournament after taking a two-month break to reset, while Rickie Fowler struggled, finishing T24. Poston credited his time off to family and rest, contrasting with Fowler's challenges after welcoming a new baby. Both golfers took breaks for personal reasons, but Poston's hiatus appeared to yield better results on the course.

Shriners Children’s Open Videos

Hannah Green seeks wire-to-wire win at BMW Ladies Championship

BMW Ladies Championship - LPGA - Seowon Valley Country Club, Gyeonggi-do, Korea

The 2024 BMW Ladies Championship at Seowon Valley Country Club in Gyeonggi-do, South Korea, has seen an exciting few days of play, with Australia's Hannah Green emerging as the leader heading into the final round. Green has maintained her position at the top of the leaderboard throughout the tournament, shooting impressive rounds of 64 in both the first and second rounds. Despite a more challenging third round where she carded a 2-under 70, Green still holds a two-stroke lead with an overall score of 18-under 198.

The tournament faced some weather-related challenges, with heavy rainfall on Friday causing a suspension of play during the second round. This led to an early start on Saturday to complete the second round before moving on to the third.

South Korea's Yu Jin Sung made a significant move up the leaderboard during the third round, shooting a tournament-best 9-under 63 to position herself just two strokes behind Green. Ashleigh Buhai of South Africa is currently in third place, three shots off the lead after carding a 71 in the third round.

The field at the BMW Ladies Championship is particularly strong this year, featuring 17 of the tour's 18 winners from the current season. However, world No. 1 Nelly Korda is notably absent due to a neck injury.

Other players in contention include Haeran Ryu of South Korea and Ryann O'Toole of the United States, both four strokes behind the leader. Defending champion Minjee Lee of Australia had a strong third round, shooting a 66 to move into a tie for 18th place at 10-under par.

As the tournament heads into its final round, all eyes will be on Hannah Green as she aims for a wire-to-wire victory and her third win of the season. The Australian has already set tournament records for the lowest 36-hole and 54-hole scores at Seowon Valley Country Club, adding extra excitement to what promises to be a thrilling conclusion to this LPGA event.

BMW Ladies Championship Stories

BMW Ladies Championship Videos

Ken Duke takes one-stroke lead into final round at Dominion Energy Charity Classic

Dominion Energy Charity - PGA Tour Champions - The Country Club of Virginia - Richmond, VA

The Dominion Energy Charity Classic, the first event of the Charles Schwab Cup Playoffs on PGA TOUR Champions, is currently underway at The Country Club of Virginia in Richmond, Virginia. After the second round, Ken Duke has taken a one-stroke lead in the tournament. Duke's strong performance has put him in a prime position to challenge for the title as the event heads into its final round.

The leaderboard remains tight, with several notable players in contention. Jerry Kelly is currently sitting at the top with a score of -13, followed closely by Padraig Harrington at -12. Shane Bertsch is in third place at -10, while Angel Cabrera has made a significant move up the leaderboard to fourth place at -9.

The tournament has seen some impressive performances, with players like Steven Alker, Matt Gogel, Ken Duke, and Ricardo Gonzalez all tied for fifth place at -8. The competitive field includes other renowned golfers such as Vijay Singh, Miguel Angel Jiménez, and Stewart Cink, all of whom are still in the mix.

This event is crucial in the Charles Schwab Cup Playoffs, as only the top 54 players on the points list after this tournament will advance to the next playoff event, the Simmons Bank Championship. The stakes are high, with players like Paul Goydos, Heath Slocum, and David Bransdon making moves to secure their spots in the next round.

As the tournament heads into its final round, golf fans can expect an exciting conclusion to this first leg of the Charles Schwab Cup Playoffs, with multiple players still in contention for the title and crucial playoff positions on the line.

Dominion Energy Charity Stories

Dominion Energy Charity Videos

Julien Guerrier tied with Jorge Campillo as Jon Rahm stays seven behind

Estrella Damm N.A. Andalucia Masters - DP World Tour - Real Club de Golf Sotogrande - Andalucia, Spain

The Estrella Damm N.A. Andalucía Masters is currently underway at the Real Club de Golf Sotogrande in Andalucía, Spain, as part of the DP World Tour. After three rounds of play, the tournament has seen some exciting developments at the top of the leaderboard.

Julien Guerrier of France and Jorge Campillo of Spain are currently sharing the lead at 19 under par. Guerrier made a significant move up the leaderboard with a course record nine-under-par round of 63, which included two eagles and five birdies. Campillo, who began the third round with a four-shot lead, maintained his position with a solid 68, continuing his impressive streak of 54 holes without a bogey.

Following closely behind the leaders is Englishman Daniel Brown in third place at 16 under par, with his compatriot Jordan Smith one shot back in fourth. Rasmus Højgaard from Denmark rounds out the top five at 13 under par.

Two-time Major champion Jon Rahm is also in contention, sitting in a tie for sixth place at 12 under par alongside England's Andy Sullivan. Rahm posted a four-under-par 68 in the third round, keeping him within striking distance of the leaders.

The tournament has attracted a strong field, including several DP World Tour winners and Rolex Series champions. Notable players such as Victor Perez, Thorbjørn Olesen, and Rafa Cabrera Bello are participating in this year's event.

As the tournament enters its final round, all eyes will be on the leaders to see if they can maintain their form and who will emerge victorious in this prestigious DP World Tour event.

Estrella Damm N.A. Andalucia Masters Stories

Estrella Damm N.A. Andalucia Masters Videos

The Ryder Cup (Sept 22-28, 2025)

Wyndham Clark takes Ryder Cup risk by criticizing ex-captain "It's just crazy"

Wyndham Clark criticized the lack of preparation for the Ryder Cup, expressing disbelief at the disjointed experience and emphasizing the importance of mental preparation for different formats. Despite his concerns, he performed well in the fourballs, remaining unbeaten alongside his partner Patrick Cantlay.

Today’s Best Golf Videos

What’s in the Bag (WITB)

Golf merchandise spotlight: Hudson Sutler recently launched a golf bag and leather collection

Hudson Sutler, an American-made lifestyle brand, has launched a new golf bag and leather collection, as discussed by co-founder Jake Lecky during the PGA of America’s 2025 Merchandise Summit. The brand focuses on classically inspired and customizable golf accessories, with a manufacturing facility located in New Jersey.

Overheard in the Club House

Scottie Scheffler gets laugh over subtle jab at his PGA Championship arrest on ESPN's College GameDay

Scottie Scheffler humorously referenced his past arrest during an appearance on ESPN's College GameDay, joking about his love for Louisville while predicting a win for Miami. He had faced multiple charges related to a traffic incident before being relieved of all charges. During the show, he expressed confidence in the Texas football team as they prepared for a significant game against Georgia.

'I Have Watched The First Swing In This Video 50 Times' - Max Homa Reacts To Angel Hidalgo's Crazy Golf Swings

At the Open de Espana, Angel Hidalgo gained attention by defeating Jon Rahm and winning his first DP World Tour title. His unique golf swings have gone viral, prompting reactions from fellow pros, including Max Homa, who remarked he watched one swing 50 times. Comparisons to Seve Ballesteros emerged, with fans praising Hidalgo as an entertaining player. In the Estrella Damm N.A. Andalucía Masters, Hidalgo performed well, carding a two-under 70 and a six-under 66, gaining more followers and fans in the process.

Scottie Scheffler explains why Augusta National suits him so well

Scottie Scheffler, the world’s No. 1 golfer, discusses why Augusta National suits his playing style, noting his strong performance there, including two wins. He emphasizes the importance of managing the course, hitting key shots, and enjoying the challenge of competing against both other players and the course itself. Scheffler highlights specific holes that require precision and reflects on the various strategies that can lead to success at Augusta.

Jon Rahm's ex-teammate plotting immediate LIV Golf return despite relegation

Jon Rahm is considering potential new signings for LIV Golf, despite the relegation of his ex-teammate Kieran Vincent. Rahm expressed support for Vincent, offering assistance and emphasizing the team spirit they shared throughout the year. He mentioned having six or seven prospects in mind for recruitment, indicating that one of them is currently competing alongside him in Andalucia.

Rory McIlroy played financial masterstroke with yacht deal after £1.65m windfall

Rory McIlroy has made a significant financial move by establishing his own company, Rory McIlroy Management Services Ltd, to manage his financial affairs. He is also collaborating with Tiger Woods on a new venture called TGL, which aims to blend virtual technology with live golf events, targeting a younger audience. This initiative is set to launch in 2025 and has already secured a broadcasting deal with ESPN, although the event format is still under development.

Where does LIV Golf stand after news of Greg Norman possibly being out as CEO?

LIV Golf, founded by Greg Norman, is reportedly seeking a new CEO as the organization prepares for its 2025 season amidst ongoing negotiations with the PGA Tour for a potential merger. Despite challenges, including low television ratings and resistance from traditional golf fans, LIV continues to expand its leadership team and has announced part of its upcoming schedule. The PGA Tour has responded to LIV's influence by increasing player compensation and enhancing its events, while a crossover event featuring players from both leagues is set for December 17.

George Bryan And Sean Walsh Move Through First Stage Of Korn Ferry Tour Q-School

George Bryan and Sean Walsh successfully advanced to the second stage of the Korn Ferry Tour Q-School after strong performances in their respective tournaments. Bryan, known for his YouTube channel Bryan Bros Golf, finished with a total score of three-under at Bermuda Run Country Club, while Walsh, a member of the Good Good YouTube group, finished at two-under at Rockwall Golf Club. Both players showcased their skills, continuing the trend of YouTube stars performing well in professional golf events.

How Tom Watson's letter led to Gary McCord's Masters broadcast team firing

Gary McCord was fired from the CBS Masters broadcast team after comparing the speed of the greens to a bikini wax, a comment that drew criticism from Tom Watson, who wrote a letter to Augusta National. Despite initial laughter from CBS executives, the letter prompted McCord's dismissal, which he later respected but wished Watson had confronted him directly. Over time, McCord and Watson reconciled, with McCord acknowledging that the incident ultimately increased his publicity.

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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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