Planet Golf News for Tuesday, October 22, 2024

World Champions Cup postponed to 2025 after recent hurricanes devastate Florida | 'Dislike All of This': Justin Thomas Upset With Max Homa Amid Efforts to End Winless PGA Tour Streak

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PGN News Team
October 22, 2024 • Reading Time: 19 minutes

Tuesday, October 22, 2024

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[ THE LEADERBOARD ]

Today’s Top Golf News in Three Minutes

Good Morning,

It’s been a lively week in the world of golf, with both excitement and challenges across various tours and tournaments. Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy’s new golf league, TGL, has ignited heated comparisons to LIV Golf. Fans are drawing parallels between TGL’s innovative team structure and LIV’s approach to shaking up traditional golf formats. Despite a series of delays, including a massive $50 million renovation of their venue, Woods and McIlroy remain optimistic that TGL will officially launch in early 2025. The league is poised to bring a fresh dynamic to the sport, but not without the kind of skepticism LIV Golf faced when it first burst onto the scene.

Meanwhile, the LPGA Founders Cup has lost a major sponsor, with Cognizant pulling out after a fruitful partnership that doubled the tournament’s purse and contributed to important programs like LPGA-USGA Girls Golf. With the search now on for a new title sponsor, there’s speculation that the event may move from New Jersey to Florida for 2025. The LPGA will have to navigate this shift as they continue to build momentum for the women’s game.

Across the globe, the PGA Tour’s Zozo Championship is taking place in Japan. With a limited field of 78 and no cut, the tournament has drawn top talent, including Xander Schauffele and defending champion Collin Morikawa, as well as Japan’s own Hideki Matsuyama. As players look to secure their standings ahead of the new PGA season, the event serves as a prime showcase for world-class golf.

In exciting junior golf news, PING is launching a new Junior Golf Tour in the UK in 2025, giving young golfers from ages 6 to 21 the chance to compete across different skill levels. This initiative aims to nurture the next generation of golfers and expand competitive opportunities for juniors in a structured format.

Hurricanes have also impacted the sport, with the World Champions Cup, a PGA Tour Champions event, being postponed to 2025. The decision comes after Florida was hit by hurricanes, leaving the organizers with no choice but to delay the tournament to ensure a top-tier experience for fans and participants.

In Asia, the LPGA’s Maybank Championship in Kuala Lumpur is back for its second year. Though big names like Nelly Korda and Lydia Ko are absent, the tournament still promises an exciting competition on a course known for low scoring and dramatic finishes. The event, which made a splash with its debut last year, continues to build its reputation as a premier stop on the LPGA’s calendar.

On the DP World Tour, the Genesis Championship is getting underway in South Korea, marking a key event in the Race to Dubai. This tournament is notable for its merger between the DP World Tour and the KPGA Tour, drawing international and local talent alike, including stars like Byeong Hun An and Tom Kim. With a hefty prize fund and valuable points at stake, this tournament is crucial for players looking to solidify their standings.

In the United States, the inaugural Simmons Bank Championship has kicked off in Little Rock, Arkansas, featuring PGA Tour Champions players. This event, the first of its kind in Arkansas, doubles as the second round of the Charles Schwab Cup playoffs, offering players a critical opportunity to advance to the season’s final event.

Golf continues to evolve on all fronts, with new leagues, junior tours, and international competitions rising in prominence. The sport’s global nature has been on full display this week, with major tournaments taking place from Japan to Malaysia and Korea, showcasing talent across every level of the game. With the new PGA and LPGA seasons approaching, and events like TGL on the horizon, golf fans have plenty to look forward to in the coming months.

[ Today’s Top Golf News ] 

Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy leave golf fans enraged and making LIV comparison

Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy's new golf league, TGL, has drawn comparisons to LIV Golf due to its innovative team structure and efforts to revamp professional golf. Despite facing delays and challenges, including a $50 million renovation of their venue, they remain hopeful for a successful launch in early 2025.

LPGA loses Cognizant as Founders Cup sponsor

Cognizant has ended its sponsorship of the LPGA Founders Cup, which honors the 13 founders of the women's tour. The company previously helped double the tournament's purse to $3 million and raised $4 million for the LPGA-USGA Girls Golf Program. The LPGA is now seeking a new title sponsor and may consider relocating the tournament from New Jersey to Florida for the 2025 season.

American Major Winners Headline Strong Field In This Week's Unique FedEx Cup Fall Event

The Zozo Championship, held in Japan, features a unique format with a limited field of 78 players and no cut. Key participants include World No.2 Xander Schauffele, defending champion Collin Morikawa, and local star Hideki Matsuyama. The event marks a significant gathering of top golfers, despite some absences, as players aim to secure their standings for the upcoming PGA Tour season.

New Junior Golf Tour Set To Be Launched By PING

PING is launching the PING Junior Golf Tour in the UK in 2025 for players aged 6 to 21, featuring a 'Rookies Tour' for younger players without an official handicap and a 'Masters Tour' for those with a handicap. The initiative aims to provide competitive opportunities for junior golfers, expanding on a 15-year partnership with the Northern Junior Tour. The tour includes 20 qualifying events and four Major tournaments, culminating in a Grand Final at Thonock Park.

World Champions Cup postponed to 2025 after recent hurricanes devastate Florida

The World Champions Cup, a golf event featuring PGA Tour Champions players, has been postponed to 2025 due to the impact of hurricanes Helene and Milton on Florida. The tournament, initially scheduled for December 5-8, 2024, aims to provide a first-class experience for fans and partners. The inaugural competition in 2023 was well-received, and the event will continue to build its legacy with future tournaments planned for 2026 and 2027 at yet-to-be-announced locations.

Major Golf Tournaments happening this week

2024 Zozo Championship: Why Is Its Venue Annoying for PGA Tour Pros?

ZOZO Championship - PGA Tour - Accordia Golf Narashino CC, Chiba, Japan

The ZOZO Championship, a prestigious PGA TOUR event, is set to return to Japan for its 6th year of competition. Scheduled from October 24th to 27th, 2024, the tournament will take place at the ACCORDIA GOLF Narashino Country Club in Chiba, Japan. As the only PGA TOUR tournament held in Japan, it promises to bring together world-class players for an exciting display of golf.

The event features a 72-hole stroke play format with no cut, offering a substantial prize pool of $8.5 million and 500 FedExCup points for the winner. A field of 78 players will compete, including top performers from the PGA TOUR and the Japan Golf Tour Organization (JGTO).

Last year's tournament saw Collin Morikawa claim victory, ending a 27-month winless drought on the PGA TOUR. His win was particularly meaningful given his Japanese heritage, and it marked a significant moment in his career resurgence.

The ZOZO Championship has become known for attracting top talent, with players like Xander Schauffele, Rickie Fowler, and Hideki Matsuyama often participating.

Maybank C’ship will wow local fans despite absence of Korda and Ko

Maybank Championship - LPGA - Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

The Maybank Championship, an LPGA Tour event, is set to return to the Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club in Malaysia from October 24-27, 2024. This prestigious tournament, which debuted in 2023, has quickly become a highlight on the LPGA calendar. The inaugural event in 2023 saw a thrilling conclusion with France's Céline Boutier emerging victorious after a grueling nine-hole playoff against Atthaya Thitikul, tying the record for the second-longest playoff in LPGA Tour history.

The championship offers a substantial purse of $3 million, with the winner taking home $450,000. The event not only showcases world-class golf but also provides a platform for players to compete on a challenging course known for its low scoring potential. In previous years, the Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club has seen an average winning score of 16-under par, setting the stage for exciting and competitive play.

As the tournament enters its second year, it continues to build on the success of its debut. The Maybank Championship represents a significant addition to the LPGA Tour's Asian swing and marks the tour's welcome return to Malaysia. Golf enthusiasts can look forward to four days of top-tier women's golf, featuring some of the best players in the world competing for the coveted Tiger Trophy amidst the lush, tropical setting of Kuala Lumpur.

Trevino to appear at Pleasant Valley for PGA’s Simmons Bank Championship events

Simmons Bank Championship - PGA Tour Champions - Pleasant Valley Country Club - Little Rock, AR

The inaugural Simmons Bank Championship, set to take place from October 21-27, 2024, at Pleasant Valley Country Club in Little Rock, Arkansas, is generating significant excitement in the golfing world. This PGA TOUR Champions event marks a historic milestone as the first-ever Champions tournament in Arkansas and the state's first PGA TOUR-sanctioned event since 2010.

As the second round of the Charles Schwab Cup playoffs, the tournament will feature the top 54 players in the standings competing for a spot among the top 36 to advance to the season's final event. The championship has already attracted high-profile commitments from top-ranked players like Ernie Els and Jerry Kelly, currently standing at No. 1 and No. 10 in the Charles Schwab Cup standings, respectively.

Adding a local flavor to the tournament, several golfers with Arkansas ties are expected to participate, including John Daly, Glen Day, and Ken Duke. Day, in particular, is currently on the bubble for qualification and needs a strong performance in the lead-up events to secure his spot in his hometown tournament.

Simmons Bank Championship Stories

Genesis Championship 2024 Preview Everything You Need To Know

Genesis Championship - DP World Tour - Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea - Incheon, South Korea

The Genesis Championship, set to take place from October 24 to 27, 2024, at Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea in Incheon, South Korea, marks an exciting development in the DP World Tour calendar. This tournament represents a merger between the DP World Tour's Korea Championship and the KPGA TOUR's Genesis Championship, resulting from a new agreement between Genesis and the DP World Tour.

As the final event in the Back 9 series, the Genesis Championship now holds a crucial position in determining players' standings for the 2025 season. With an increased prize fund of $4 million and 5,000 Race to Dubai Rankings Points on offer, the stakes are higher than ever. The field will comprise 90 DP World Tour players and 30 KPGA TOUR players, reflecting the strategic alliance between the two tours.

World Number 34 Byeong Hun An has been confirmed as a participant, joining fellow South Korean Tom Kim in representing their home country. The tournament will also feature defending champions from both merged events, with Sanghyun Park (2023 Genesis Championship winner) and Pablo Larrazábal (2023 Korea Championship winner) set to compete.

This event not only elevates Genesis' involvement in professional golf but also strengthens the ties between the DP World Tour and the KPGA TOUR. As the final tournament before the DP World Tour Play-Offs, the Genesis Championship promises to deliver high-stakes drama and world-class golf, showcasing the best of both international and Korean talent on a global stage.

Genesis Championship Stories

The Ryder Cup (Sept 22-28, 2025)

Nick Rodger: The price of Ryder Cup admission does golf no favours in money-mad age

The article discusses the high cost of tickets for the upcoming Ryder Cup, priced at $750, and reflects on the broader issue of rising prices in general, highlighting the financial strain experienced during a recent trip to New York.

'That Can't Be An Excuse This Time' - Matt Wallace Believes He Is Ready To Play Ryder Cup Golf After Accepting 2018 Omission

Matt Wallace is determined to secure a spot on the European Ryder Cup team for 2025 after reflecting on his omission in 2018. He acknowledges the reasons for his exclusion and emphasizes his readiness, citing recent successes and experience on the PGA Tour. Wallace believes his performance and mentality position him well for selection, despite the competitive landscape.

Today’s Best Golf Videos

What’s in the Bag (WITB)

Two More Metalwoods Appear on USGA Conforming List

PXG has introduced two new metalwoods, the Ultra-Lite driver and the Secret Weapon mini-driver, both appearing on the USGA conforming list. The Ultra-Lite features a single sole weight for reduced head weight, targeting golfers seeking lightweight clubs, while the Secret Weapon mini-driver offers versatility and control, becoming popular on Tour. The equipment season is expected to ramp up in mid to late November.

How AI is helping Callaway make better, more forgiving golf clubs

Callaway Golf is utilizing artificial intelligence to enhance the design of their new Apex Ai200 and Ai300 irons, focusing on creating custom, optimized solutions. AI helps model dynamic collisions based on real golfer data, improving club performance by analyzing swing dynamics and making micro-deflections in clubface design to reduce sidespin and enhance forgiveness. This technology allows for more precise adjustments in club design while maintaining the essential role of human designers and engineers in the process.

10 favorite items from Peter Millar's Crown Crafted Collection

Check out our 10 favorite items for golfers from Peter Millar’s Crown Crafted Collection.

Overheard in the Club House

'Dislike All of This': Justin Thomas Upset With Max Homa Amid Efforts to End Winless PGA Tour Streak

Justin Thomas expressed frustration after losing a short game challenge to Max Homa ahead of the ZOZO Championship, highlighting their competitive friendship. Despite Thomas's struggles to win in recent seasons, the playful banter between the two golfers showcases their camaraderie as they prepare for the tournament.

Collin Morikawa’s True ‘Passion’ Gets a Hilarious Jab From Wife Katherine After Their Dinner Date Ahead of Zozo Championship

Collin Morikawa humorously revealed that his true passion is food, not golf, as highlighted by his wife Katherine's Instagram post. They recently dined at the renowned Sukiyabashi Jiro in Tokyo ahead of the Zozo Championship, where Morikawa expressed how special the experience was, recalling his previous visit in 2023. As he prepares to defend his title at the tournament, the couple's culinary adventures continue to be a highlight.

Nelly Korda, Lydia Ko headline star-studded field at The Annika, where military and first responders get in free

The Annika tournament, featuring top players like Nelly Korda and Lydia Ko, will take place from Nov. 11-17, 2024, at Pelican Golf Club, with a purse of $3.25 million. Military personnel and first responders will receive free access, along with children 17 and under with a paid adult. This event is crucial for finalizing player status for the 2025 season and the CME Group Tour Championship.

“Long LIV Golf!” – Greg Norman on the Saudi-backed circuit’s latest partnership with the United Nations

LIV Golf CEO Greg Norman announced a three-year partnership with UNHCR, marking the UN's first golf collaboration to support refugees and displaced individuals. The initiative aims to invest $10 million to enhance sports and education access for nearly 1 million displaced people globally. Norman emphasized the positive impact of sports on mental health and community integration, calling this partnership a significant milestone for LIV Golf. The 2025 LIV Golf season will kick off in Riyadh from February 6 to 8, 2025.

Bubba Watson will make his first ever pro appearance in this Southeast Asian country

Bubba Watson will make his first professional appearance in Indonesia at the BNI Indonesian Masters, part of the Asian Tour, after limited playing opportunities in recent times. He expressed excitement about participating in the tournament and highlighted the importance of the International Series in promoting LIV Golf. Watson will be joined by other LIV Golf members and notable players at the Royale Jakarta Golf Club.

Jon Rahm Slammed As ‘Biggest Sellout’ by Golf Fans After New York Stock Exchange Appearance

Jon Rahm faced backlash from golf fans after appearing at the New York Stock Exchange with Santander Group officials to launch Openbank in the USA. Many criticized him as a "sellout" for joining LIV Golf, despite his successful performances in the league. Fans expressed their discontent on social media, linking his financial success to the controversial nature of his association with LIV Golf and Santander, which has a history of criticism for its environmental practices.

LIV Golf star makes honest admission over Saudi switch with dig at PGA Tour

Thomas Pieters discussed his decision to leave the PGA Tour for LIV Golf, admitting he struggled to enjoy competing on the PGA Tour and felt a lack of excitement after his Ryder Cup debut. He found the LIV league appealing due to its financial benefits and a reduced schedule, allowing him more time with his family. After two seasons with LIV, he ended the 2024 season ranked 30th and is currently in free agency regarding his future with the RangeGoats team.

Nelly Korda, Lydia Ko headline short list of players with multiple LPGA titles in starry 2024 season

The 2024 LPGA season has seen stars like Nelly Korda and Lydia Ko dominate, with Korda achieving six victories in her first eight starts, while Ko secured three wins, including a major title. Other notable players with multiple titles this season include Ruoning Yin, Lauren Coughlin, and Hannah Green, highlighting a year with fewer first-time winners compared to previous seasons.

Nelly Korda in position to clinch first LPGA Rolex Player of the Year title; Lydia Ko can't catch her

Nelly Korda is poised to win her first LPGA Rolex Player of the Year title, leading the points race with 244 points, while Lydia Ko trails with 144 points and cannot catch her. Korda, despite a minor neck injury, has had a successful season with six wins, including a major title. The only player who could mathematically tie her is Ayaka Furue, but it would require an exceptional performance. Korda's potential victory would also bring her closer to qualifying for the LPGA Hall of Fame.

Latest Official World Golf Ranking

Click HERE for the latest Official World Golf Ranking

Latest FedExCup Standings

Click HERE for the latest Official World Golf Ranking

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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