Planet Golf News for Thursday, November 21, 2024

LPGA Tour sets another record with $127.5M in prize money for 2025 | Caitlin Clark Playing in RSM Classic Pro-Am, Week After LPGA Circus | For defending champ Ludvig Aberg, who hasn't played in 3 months, 2024 RSM Classic marks a new beginning | Min Woo Lee aiming to ‘give a show to the crowds’ as he defends title in Australia

Thursday, November 21, 2024

PlanetGolfNews + Marie Birdie

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[ THE LEADERBOARD ]

Today’s Top Golf News in Three Minutes

Good Morning,

The world of golf is alive with exciting developments, from record-breaking milestones on the LPGA Tour to star-studded pro-am events and thrilling tournament action. This week, the sport has showcased its growing popularity and the incredible stories behind the players, events, and even the shifting media landscape that brings the game to fans worldwide.

The LPGA Tour is stepping into its 75th anniversary season with a historic $127.5 million in prize money for 2025, marking an impressive 90% increase over the past four years. This growth reflects the momentum in women’s sports, and the tour is expanding with new events in Utah and Mexico. Prize purses are soaring across the board, including a record $11 million for the CME Group Tour Championship, with $4 million reserved for the winner. The U.S. Women’s Open remains the crown jewel of the schedule, offering $12 million in total prize money.

Beyond the financial gains, the LPGA is investing in its players by providing fully subsidized health insurance and making strategic moves to avoid conflicts with major men’s tournaments. Efforts like the LEAP program, which grants top amateurs direct access to the tour, underline a commitment to developing the next generation of stars. Despite this progress, players such as Nelly Korda and Lexi Thompson have called for more live broadcasts and primetime TV slots to enhance the sport’s visibility. The momentum is there, but the push for greater exposure remains a key focus for the tour’s future.

Adding to the week’s excitement was WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark’s appearance at the PGA Tour’s RSM Classic Pro-Am. She quickly became the center of attention, dazzling fans with her power off the tee and her approachable demeanor. Whether calling for a mulligan after a stray shot or nailing impressive drives, Clark showed flashes of talent that could make her a future force in golf. Paired with PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan and NFL legend Tom Brady, she delivered a performance that bridged the gap between sports, drawing a wider audience to the game.

While Clark and Brady entertained fans at the pro-am, the RSM Classic at Sea Island was in full swing, offering players a critical chance to secure FedEx Cup points and their tour cards for 2025. Defending champion Ludvig Åberg returned after knee surgery, eager to defend his title against a competitive field that includes Brian Harman and Lucas Glover. The tournament’s $7.6 million purse, with $1.368 million going to the winner, ensures the stakes are high for the season’s final PGA Tour event.

Meanwhile, over in Naples, Florida, the LPGA’s CME Group Tour Championship is delivering the season’s grand finale with an unprecedented $11 million purse. The top 60 players are competing for the Race to the CME Globe title in a no-cut event, where $4 million awaits the winner—the largest single payout in women’s sports history. Nelly Korda, fresh off a Player of the Year-winning season, leads the field on Tiburon’s challenging Gold Course. Fans are eagerly watching to see who will claim this transformative moment in their career.

Across the globe, the Australian PGA Championship kicked off the DP World Tour’s new season at the Royal Queensland Golf Club in Brisbane. Jason Day, rejuvenated after a strong year on the PGA Tour, is aiming for a victory on home soil. Competing against stars like Cameron Smith and Min Woo Lee, Day has his sights set on winning majors and making 2025 another standout year. The tournament’s unique $1 million prize for a hole-in-one at the 17th hole adds an extra layer of excitement to the event.

As the tournaments unfolded, the media world was buzzing with news about Comcast’s decision to spin off the Golf Channel. While the channel holds broadcast rights for the PGA and LPGA Tours through 2030, the move has sparked questions about its future, with rumors suggesting the PGA Tour may consider acquiring it. As golf continues to grow in popularity, how fans engage with the sport through media will be an increasingly important piece of the puzzle.

This week in golf has been a showcase of the sport’s past, present, and future. The LPGA is building on decades of history to elevate women’s golf, Caitlin Clark is expanding its audience, and thrilling tournaments are captivating fans worldwide. With so much momentum, the future of golf promises to be as exciting as ever, offering a blend of tradition, innovation, and unforgettable moments.

[ Today’s Top Golf News ] 

[ Today’s Feature Golf Reads ] 

Major Golf Tournaments happening this week

Images and highlights from Caitlin Clark and Tom Brady at RSM Classic pro-am

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

The 2024 RSM Classic is currently taking place at the Sea Island Golf Club in St. Simons Island, Georgia, marking the final official PGA Tour event of the year. This tournament, which begins today features a prize purse of $7.6 million, with the winner set to receive $1.368 million. Ludvig Åberg, the defending champion and current World No. 5, returns to compete after recovering from knee surgery. Other notable players participating include Brian Harman, Harris English, Lucas Glover, and Denny McCarthy. The tournament is crucial for players aiming to secure their positions in the FedEx Cup top 125 to retain their tour cards for the next season.

The event also included a pro-am featuring WNBA star Caitlin Clark and NFL legend Tom Brady, who participated alongside other celebrities and golf professionals yesterday. The pro-am supports local charities through a charity putting event. The RSM Classic is broadcast exclusively on the Golf Channel, with streaming options available via NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports App.

The RSM Classic Stories

The RSM Classic Videos

Anyone From Nelly Korda To 60th-Place Carlota Ciganda Can Win The Biggest Check In Women's Golf History This Week - Here's Why

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

The 2024 CME Group Tour Championship is set to take place beginning today at the Tiburon Golf Club in Naples, Florida, marking the final event of the LPGA season. This prestigious tournament will feature the top 60 female golfers competing for a record-breaking purse of $11 million, with $4 million awarded to the winner, making it the largest single payout in women’s sports history. The event runs from November 21 to November 24 and will be broadcast on various platforms, including the Golf Channel, NBC, and streaming services like Peacock and ESPN+.

Nelly Korda leads the field after a tumultuous season where she secured the Rolex Player of the Year title. The tournament is held on Tiburon’s Gold Course, known for its challenging layout with numerous bunkers and water hazards across 15 holes. This no-cut event will determine the Race to the CME Globe Champion based on the lowest score over four rounds of stroke play.

Last year’s champion, Amy Yang, returns after winning with a score of -27. Spectators can purchase tickets for single days or a four-day pass, with special provisions for juniors and military personnel. Parking is available off-site with shuttle services to the golf course. The tournament promises an exciting conclusion to the LPGA season with significant career opportunities and endorsements at stake for the winner.

CME Group Tour Stories

CME Group Tour Videos

Day’s pledge to win back fans at Aus PGA

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

The BMW Australian PGA Championship 2024 is underway at the Royal Queensland Golf Club in Brisbane, Australia. This tournament marks the beginning of the new DP World Tour season, featuring a prize purse of AUD $2 million (approximately USD $1.3 million). The event will see top golfers such as Cameron Smith, Min Woo Lee, and Jason Day competing for the title. Cameron Smith, a three-time winner of this championship, is among the favorites, alongside defending champion Min Woo Lee. The tournament will be broadcast live, with coverage available on Fox Sports and the NBC Sports app. The Royal Queensland Golf Club, a par-71 course, will host this prestigious event for the fifth time. Excitement is also building around the 17th hole, where a $1 million prize is up for grabs for any player who achieves a hole-in-one during the tournament’s broadcast window.

BMW Australian PGA Championship Stories

The Ryder Cup (Sept 22-28, 2025)

Today’s Best Golf Videos

What’s in the Bag (WITB)

Overheard in the Club House

UPCOMING TOURS

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