Planet Golf News for Thursday, February 20, 2025

10 Big Name Golfers To Win The Mexico Open | Ryder Cup standings: Which players will qualify for Bethpage? | TGL TV ratings check-in: Who's watching the new league in week 6

Thursday, February 20, 2025

PlanetGolfNews + Marie Birdie

Marie Birdie is a clothing brand dedicated to providing young women with the sense of empowerment and individuality. Now available at select PGA Tour Superstores. NOW OPEN the Marie Birdie Store @ 7170 S Dixie Highway in West Palm Beach, FL

[ THE LEADERBOARD ]

Today’s Top Golf News in Three Minutes

Good Morning,

Golf fans, buckle up because today’s golf news is a whirlwind of tournaments, legal drama, sponsorship deals, and even baby news. The Mexico Open tees off today with Jake Knapp back to defend his title, trying to prove that his win last year wasn’t just beginner’s luck. He’s joined by a solid field that includes Akshay Bhatia, Emiliano Grillo, and the ever-determined Højgaard twins. The prize? A cool $1.26 million. Not bad for a week’s work under the Mexican sun.

Meanwhile, in the “didn’t see that coming” department, LIV Golf’s chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan is facing a potential lawsuit in Canada over some pretty hefty allegations from the Aljabri family. LIV Golf might be shaking up the golf world, but this isn’t the kind of headline they were aiming for.

On the LPGA side, Jeeno Thitikul is making moves, climbing to No. 2 in the Rolex Rankings after a win in Saudi Arabia. She’s back in Thailand this week for the Honda LPGA Thailand, where she’ll celebrate her 22nd birthday with a shot at another trophy—and presumably some cake. Patty Tavatanakit, last year’s winner, isn’t about to hand over the title without a fight, though.

Speaking of big names, Ludvig Åberg landed a sponsorship deal with Mercedes-Benz because apparently, you’re not a true golf star until you can say your car and your clubs are both German-engineered. Åberg will debut as the brand’s global ambassador at the Masters, which sounds like a pretty sweet gig.

The Genesis Invitational pulled in the biggest TV audience for a non-major since last year’s Players Championship, thanks to a tight leaderboard and Tiger Woods swapping his clubs for a microphone. Not playing but still managing to spike ratings—classic Tiger move.

In other tournament news, the Magical Kenya Open is underway with Darius van Driel defending his title and Martin Couvra enjoying the honeymoon phase of his rookie season on the DP World Tour. Over in college golf, Luke Clanton is racking up wins faster than most of us can book a tee time, just one point away from locking in his PGA Tour card.

Ryder Cup fever is starting to brew, with standings shaping up and players like Thomas Detry opening up about the pressure of competition—nothing like a bit of vulnerability to win over fans. Europe’s secret sauce? Dominating foursomes and making teamwork look effortless. Team USA, take notes.

On the heartwarming side, Billy Horschel earned the GWAA’s Charlie Bartlett Award for his charitable efforts, proving that not everything in golf is about prize money (though let’s be honest, the seven-figure checks don’t hurt). And in personal news, Jordan Spieth is adding to his family—baby number three is on the way this July. Maybe he’ll celebrate with a win… or at least a decent finish.

With the U.S. Open qualifiers about to kick off, the Ryder Cup looming, and Tiger Woods contemplating a return at the Cognizant Classic, golf is serving up more drama, heart, and competition than an episode of The Bachelor—minus the roses, plus a lot more khaki pants.

Today’s Top Golf News 

Major Golf Tournaments happening this week

One year wiser, Jake Knapp defends at Mexico Open at VidantaWorld

Mexico Open at VidantaWorld - PGA Tour - Vidanta Vallerta - Nuevo Vallerta, Mexico

The Mexico Open at VidantaWorld, a PGA Tour event, is set to tee off beginning today at the Vidanta Vallarta golf course in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico. This marks the fourth consecutive year the tournament has been part of the PGA Tour’s FedExCup regular season. The event will feature a field of 132 professional golfers competing for a purse of $7 million, with $1.26 million awarded to the winner. Defending champion Jake Knapp will return to attempt a back-to-back victory, while other notable players in the field include Akshay Bhatia, Emiliano Grillo, and the Højgaard twins, Rasmus and Nicolai.

Honda LPGA Thailand - LPGA - Slam Country Club - Chon Buri, Thailand

The Honda LPGA Thailand, a prestigious event on the LPGA Tour, is set to tee off today at the Siam Country Club’s Old Course in Pattaya, Chonburi, Thailand. This 18th edition of the tournament will feature a field of 72 top female golfers competing for a prize purse of $1.7 million, with no cut. The event has become a cornerstone of women’s golf in Asia since its inception in 2006, attracting global stars and providing opportunities for local talent to shine. As defending champion, Patty Tavatanakit will return to defend her title, joined by other notable players such as Jeeno Thitikul, Lilia Vu, and several major champions.

2025 Magical Kenya Open prize money: How much every player will earn in Nairobi

Magical Kenya Open - DP World Tour - Muthaiga GC - Nairobi, Kenya

The Magical Kenya Open, part of the DP World Tour, is set to tee off today at Muthaiga Golf Club in Nairobi, Kenya. This event marks the 10th tournament of the season and offers a prize purse of $2.5 million. Defending champion Darius van Driel from the Netherlands will be looking to retain his title on the challenging 7,228-yard, par-71 course. Muthaiga GC, which has hosted the Kenya Open 43 times since 1967, features fast greens and numerous water hazards, demanding accurate iron play and good course management from competitors.

Upcoming: The U.S. Open Golf Championship (June 12 -15, 2025)

Upcoming: Ryder Cup (Sept 25-28, 2025)

What’s in the Bag (WITB)

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.

Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up HERE for FREE