Planet Golf News for Thursday, October 17, 2024

Can Tom Kim complete a three-peat at the Shriners Children's Open? | Minjee Lee wary of Lydia Ko challenge at BMW Ladies Championship in South Korea

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PGN News Team
October 17, 2024 • Reading Time: 17 minutes

Thursday, October 17, 2024

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[ THE LEADERBOARD ]

Today’s Top Golf News in Three Minutes

Good Morning,

The world of golf is buzzing this week, with exciting developments across multiple tournaments and a few controversies stirring the pot. Let’s dive into the latest updates and stories making waves.

First, the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black is still causing a stir, but not just for the competition. Fans are grumbling over the steep ticket prices, which range from $255 for practice rounds to a hefty $749 for competition days. The PGA of America defended the increase, citing the high operational costs in New York and market research that suggests demand justifies the pricing. They’re also trying to prevent ticket scalping by keeping prices aligned with other major sporting events like the World Series. While it’s a pricey affair, the PGA insists that proceeds go toward their mission of growing the game—a tough sell for fans who might need to save up just to attend.

Over in Las Vegas, the 2024 Shriners Children’s Open is underway at TPC Summerlin, featuring two-time defending champion Tom Kim, who is aiming for a historic three-peat. A win here would make him the first player in over a decade to accomplish that feat on the PGA Tour. With a $7 million purse and 500 FedEx Cup points at stake, players like Rickie Fowler, Harris English, and recent winners Matt McCarty and Kevin Yu are all eyeing a piece of the action. The course’s stunning desert layout promises an exciting backdrop for this heated competition, with plenty of drama expected on and off the greens.

On the LPGA front, the BMW Ladies Championship is heating up in Korea. Defending champion Minjee Lee has her hands full as Lydia Ko, fresh off her induction into the LPGA Hall of Fame, is in top form and gunning for the title. Ko’s impressive year has included three LPGA victories, a major championship win, and even an Olympic gold medal. With 17 of this season’s winners in the field, it’s shaping up to be a thrilling contest, though Nelly Korda’s absence due to injury leaves room for others to make their mark. Ko kicked off the week by hosting a traditional Korean barbecue dinner for players and staff—a charming nod to her roots and a reminder that the LPGA is as much about camaraderie as competition.

Meanwhile, in Richmond, Virginia, the Dominion Energy Charity Classic marks the start of the Charles Schwab Cup Playoffs on the PGA Tour Champions circuit. With Ernie Els leading the charge, this event showcases some of golf’s most seasoned players, including Vijay Singh and Bernhard Langer. The $2.3 million purse and a chance to edge closer to the season-long title make this a pivotal tournament for the senior tour stars.

Across the pond in Spain, the DP World Tour’s Estrella Damm N.A. Andalucia Masters is off to a thrilling start at Real Club de Golf Sotogrande. Jon Rahm is headlining the event, with plenty of attention on this tournament as one of the last chances for players to qualify for the Race to Dubai Playoffs. Rahm’s star power is always a draw, especially as he navigates his commitments with LIV Golf and the Ryder Cup while dodging some hefty fines from the DP World Tour.

Speaking of Rahm, he’s on the lookout for a new player to join his LIV Golf team, Legion XIII, after the relegation of Kieran Vincent. He’s narrowing down candidates from the Andalucia Masters, signaling more LIV-Golf drama ahead. Meanwhile, Andrew “Beef” Johnston gave fans a laugh by sharing a wild story about a drinking session with John Daly that ended with him jumping into a pool—just another day in the life of these colorful golf personalities.

And in the equipment world, TaylorMade’s P7CB and P770 irons are getting buzz for their versatility, with top players like Rory McIlroy and Collin Morikawa using them to balance performance with forgiveness. Combo sets are becoming the go-to for golfers looking to dial in their game, especially with equipment that can be customized to meet specific needs.

There’s no shortage of action, drama, and innovation on the golf scene this week. Whether it’s Tom Kim chasing history in Vegas, Lydia Ko continuing her dominance in Korea, or Jon Rahm juggling his commitments, the world of golf is as unpredictable as ever—and fans wouldn’t have it any other way.

[ Today’s Top Golf News ] 

Ryder Cup tickets are more expensive than ever. PGA of America explains why

The ticket prices for the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black have significantly increased, starting at $255 for practice rounds and reaching $749 for competition days. This price hike has sparked widespread criticism among golf fans. The PGA of America justifies the prices by considering market research, operational costs in New York City, and the desire to provide a premium experience. The organization aims to balance demand with pricing to avoid a secondary market inflation, while also ensuring that proceeds support its mission to grow interest in golf.

Major Golf Tournaments happening this week

Check the yardage book: TPC Summerlin for the 2024 Shriners Children's Open

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

The 2024 Shriners Children's Open is set to tee off at TPC Summerlin in Las Vegas today marking the fourth event of the PGA Tour's FedEx Cup Fall series. Two-time defending champion Tom Kim is aiming for a historic three-peat, a feat not accomplished on the Tour in over a decade. The tournament boasts a $7 million purse, with $1.26 million going to the winner along with 500 FedEx Cup points.

The field features several notable players, including Rickie Fowler, Harris English, and recent Tour winners Matt McCarty and Kevin Yu. TPC Summerlin, known for its stunning desert landscape and challenging layout, is expected to provide an exciting backdrop for the competition.

Golf Channel will provide exclusive TV coverage of the event, with live streaming available on various platforms. PGA Tour Live on ESPN+ will offer featured group coverage, showcasing complete rounds of select players during the first two days of the tournament.

Shriners Children’s Open Stories

Minjee Lee wary of Lydia Ko challenge at BMW Ladies Championship in South Korea

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

The BMW Ladies Championship is set to kick off at Seowon Valley Country Club in Gyeonggi-do, Korea, featuring a star-studded field of 78 players competing for a $2.2 million purse. Defending champion Minjee Lee returns to the event, but all eyes are on the recently inducted LPGA Hall of Famer Lydia Ko, who has been in exceptional form this season.

Ko, currently ranked No. 3 in the world, has already claimed three LPGA victories this year, including her third major championship at the AIG Women's British Open. She also secured a gold medal at the Paris Olympics, cementing her place in the LPGA Hall of Fame as its youngest member under current criteria at 27 years old.

The tournament boasts a competitive field, with 17 of the 18 winners from this season participating. Notable absences include top-ranked Nelly Korda, who withdrew due to a minor neck injury. The event marks its second year at Seowon Valley Country Club, where players will tackle the par-72, 6,468-yard course.

Ko's recent performances have been impressive, with a string of strong finishes including her Olympic gold and major victory. She kicked off the championship week by hosting a traditional Korean barbecue dinner for fellow LPGA players and staff, continuing a tradition of hospitality initiated by Se Ri Pak years ago.

BMW Ladies Championship Stories

'Premier' Dominion Energy Charity Classic showcases Richmond golf community

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

The Dominion Energy Charity Classic, a PGA TOUR Champions event, is set to take place beginning tomorrow at The Country Club of Virginia in Richmond, Virginia. This tournament marks the first event of the Charles Schwab Cup Playoffs, featuring a field of 69 top senior golfers competing for a $2.3 million purse, with the winner taking home $350,000.

Current Charles Schwab Cup leader Ernie Els headlines the event, bringing his impressive record of six PGA TOUR Champions victories, including three wins this season. Other notable participants include Vijay Singh, Steven Alker, Justin Leonard, David Toms, and Bernhard Langer, who holds the PGA TOUR Champions win record.

Jon Rahm's Tactics Help Him Triumph Against DP World Tour While Dodging Fees Altogether

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

The Estrella Damm N.A. Andalucía Masters is set to tee off today at the prestigious Real Club de Golf Sotogrande in Andalucía, Spain. This marks the tenth edition of the tournament and the second time it will be held at Sotogrande, which is renowned as the number one golf course in Continental Europe.

The event, part of the DP World Tour's Race to Dubai, boasts a strong field of 126 players from 24 different nations competing for a prize pool of $3,250,000. Notable participants include two-time Major winner Jon Rahm, who leads the Spanish contingent, along with other DP World Tour winners such as Ángel Hidalgo, Adrián Otaegui, and Pablo Larrazábal.

This year's tournament is particularly significant as it's one of the final opportunities for players to secure their spots in the DP World Tour Play-Offs. The top 70 in the Race to Dubai Rankings after next week's Genesis Championship will qualify for the Play-Offs, adding extra pressure and excitement to the competition.

Estrella Damm N.A. Andalucia Masters Stories

The Ryder Cup (Sept 22-28, 2025)

Ryder Cup director defends ticket prices: 'On par with a World Series'

The Ryder Cup director defended ticket prices, stating they are comparable to major sporting events like the World Series and NBA Finals, due to high demand. Prices range from $255 for practice sessions to $750 for competition days, with the event being considered a "bucket list" experience for fans. The ticket package includes non-alcoholic drink vouchers and unlimited food.

Today’s Best Golf Videos

What’s in the Bag (WITB)

How the TaylorMade P7CB and P770 blend together for combo sets

The TaylorMade P7CB and P770 irons can be effectively blended for combo sets, providing golfers with a mix of forgiveness and performance. Notable players like Rory McIlroy and Collin Morikawa have adopted these irons, highlighting their suitability for various skill levels. The P7CB offers a more traditional blade feel, while the P770 provides added forgiveness, making it easier for players to customize their sets according to their needs.

WITB Time Machine: Bryson DeChambeau’s winning WITB, 2018 Shriners Children’s Open

At the 2018 Shriners Children’s Open, Bryson DeChambeau won using a Cobra King F9 Speedback driver, Cobra King LTD Black 3-wood, and a set of Cobra King One Length irons. His wedges were also from Cobra King, and he used a SIK Tour Prototype putter, Bridgestone Tour B X balls, and JumboMax XL grips. This information highlights the equipment he relied on for his fifth PGA Tour victory.

Overheard in the Club House

LIV Golf superstar Jon Rahm provides update on 'new player' to join Legion XIII

Jon Rahm is actively searching for a new player to join his LIV Golf team, Legion XIII, narrowing it down to six or seven candidates, one of whom is competing in the Andalucia Masters. Currently, the team consists of Rahm, Tyrrell Hatton, and Caleb Surratt, following the relegation of Kieran Vincent. Rahm expressed interest in signing a Callaway staff player to enhance partnerships and discussed his experiences and aspirations related to LIV Golf, the Ryder Cup, and the Olympics, emphasizing his commitment to growing the game in Spain.

Andrew 'Beef' Johnston recalls epic drunken escapade with John Daly

Andrew "Beef" Johnston shared a humorous story about a drunken encounter with John Daly at the Turkish Airlines Open, where they engaged in a wild drinking session. Johnston recounted how he struggled to keep up with Daly's whiskey orders, leading to a chaotic night that included him stripping down and jumping into a pool. Despite the antics, Daly was unfazed and returned to his hotel without incident, while Johnston woke up confused about the night's events.

Jon Rahm announces end of his DP World Tour season; makes stance on playing in 2025 clear

Jon Rahm announced that his 2024 season will conclude at the Andalucia Masters and confirmed his intention to compete in the DP World Tour in 2025. He expressed a need for rest after the tournament and mentioned plans to participate in the Hero Dubai Desert Classic in January, contingent on the outcome of his appeal regarding sanctions from the DP World Tour for switching to LIV Golf.

'I'm hunting a LIV Golf contract - but I could defect to DP World or PGA Tour'

The document discusses the potential for golfers, particularly from America and Europe, to consider joining LIV Golf due to its well-run tournaments and attractive prize pools. It highlights the success of players like Andy Ogletree and Scott Vincent, who transitioned to LIV Golf after winning The International Series, suggesting a growing trend among golfers to explore opportunities in LIV Golf.

Chinese Star Wenyi Ding Turns Pro After Glittering Amateur Career

Chinese golfer Wenyi Ding has turned professional after a successful amateur career, highlighted by his victory at the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship. At just 19, he topped the inaugural Global Amateur Pathway Ranking, earning an exemption to the 2025 DP World Tour. Ding expressed excitement about starting his professional journey, despite waiving his exemptions for the Masters and US Open, a decision he found difficult. He will debut as a professional at the Hangzhou Open on the Challenge Tour.

Golf star urges tour bosses to fix “schedule overload” amid anxious wait over season-ending injury

Andrew 'Beef' Johnston is awaiting a scan for an injury that prematurely ended his golf season and is advocating for a more balanced schedule in the DP World Tour. He expressed concerns over the "schedule overload" that players face, highlighting the need for a winter break and better spacing of events to allow for recovery and preparation. Johnston shared his experiences from the season, including a last-minute entry into the BMW PGA Championship and the challenges posed by his recurring thumb injury. He emphasizes the importance of prioritizing players' needs in scheduling to enhance performance and well-being.

Scottie Scheffler eyes same menu for 2025 Masters dinner

Scottie Scheffler plans to serve the same menu for the 2025 Masters Champions Dinner as he did in 2023, which includes cheeseburger sliders, firecracker shrimp, tortilla soup, Texas ribeye steak or blackened red fish, and a warm chocolate chip skillet cookie for dessert. He expressed satisfaction with the previous menu, stating it consists of his favorite foods and would be fun to replicate.

DP World Tour pro hits back at 'cheating' claims: '100% fine, say what you want...'

Dan Bradbury defended himself against accusations of cheating related to 'anchoring' his broomstick putter after winning the Open de France. He clarified that his grip does not violate the rules, stating that while his thumb may touch his shirt, it does not anchor against his body. Despite his explanation, some, including fellow golfer Eddie Pepperell, remain skeptical about whether he was anchoring. Bradbury emphasized that he is within the rules and suggested that if there are issues, the rules should be changed, humorously requesting not to alter them.

Tomorrow’s Golf League modernizes sport for prime time television

Tomorrow's Golf League aims to modernize golf for prime-time television with head-to-head matches featuring top PGA players, live broadcasts, and innovative gameplay elements such as a shot clock and a giant simulator. Matches will take place at the SoFi Center, with a schedule coordinated with the PGA Tour, and there are hopes for future Canadian representation in the league.

Latest Official World Golf Ranking

Click HERE for the latest Official World Golf Ranking

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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