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- Planet Golf News for Wednesday, February 19, 2025
Planet Golf News for Wednesday, February 19, 2025
Somber Tiger Woods back in action in TGL loss to New York GC | Tiger Woods Left Distraught After Laughing Teammates Let Him Hit the Wrong Club | Slow week in golf as PGA Tour goes to Mexico and LPGA begins a swing through Asia
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Wednesday, February 19, 2025
PlanetGolfNews + Marie Birdie
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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,
Tiger Woods, a man who has spent decades perfecting every aspect of his golf game, just fell victim to one of the oldest mistakes in the book: trusting his teammates. During the TGL match last night, Woods somehow believed he was only 99 yards from the pin when in reality, he was a full 199 yards away. Armed with a 56-degree wedge—perfect for a short shot, utterly useless for a long one—he sent the ball a mere 100 yards, leaving his teammates Tom Kim and Kevin Kisner in stitches. While Woods might not have found the moment amusing, the internet certainly did. And despite the blunder, his Jupiter Links team still got steamrolled by New York Golf Club, which picked up its first win of the season in dominant fashion. Maybe next time, Tiger will double-check his numbers—or at least pick teammates who take their jobs a little more seriously.
Meanwhile, the PGA Tour is taking a leisurely trip south to Mexico for the Mexico Open at Vidanta, where Jake Knapp is back to defend his title. The LPGA, on the other hand, is setting up camp in Thailand for the start of its Asian swing, with Patty Tavatanakit looking to go back-to-back at the Honda LPGA Thailand. The DP World Tour is holding the Magical Kenya Open, which boasts a rich history and a course full of hazards just waiting to ruin someone’s weekend. And of course, LIV Golf is doing whatever LIV Golf does—probably still celebrating Joaquin Niemann’s recent win in Adelaide while avoiding any awkward conversations about TV ratings.
Speaking of LIV, Adam Scott, ever the diplomat, has taken it upon himself to acknowledge the growing tension around whether LIV players should be allowed back on the PGA Tour. His stance? He totally gets why PGA players would be annoyed about welcoming back their former colleagues who bolted for a payday. As a board member, he’s knee-deep in reunification talks, but let’s be honest: no one really knows how this mess is going to shake out.
In another golf-world mystery, a dozen experts were asked to explain what TV ratings actually mean, particularly in the wake of LIV Golf’s underwhelming viewership numbers. Turns out, it’s complicated. Terms like “average viewers” and “total reach” get thrown around, but what really matters is how the numbers translate to dollars and whether networks and sponsors are still willing to invest. Given the rapidly changing landscape of sports broadcasting, this is an issue that’s not going away anytime soon.
Back in the TGL, it’s becoming painfully obvious that no one really understands how to use “The Hammer,” a rule that allows teams to double the value of a hole. Some players are throwing it around recklessly, others are hesitating too much, and in the end, the strategy behind it remains a mystery. Meanwhile, TGL’s Presidents’ Day triple-header brought plenty of action, featuring heavy hitters like Rory McIlroy and Justin Thomas, but questions remain about whether the league can sustain this level of excitement. Sure, the simulator golf format is fun, but is it fun enough?
Elsewhere, equipment junkies have something to look forward to as Tour Edge unveils its new Hot Launch E525 and X525 drivers, promising more distance and forgiveness—because let’s be honest, most of us could use all the help we can get off the tee. In more surprising news, Lydia Ko just landed a Vogue Korea cover, something even she didn’t see coming. And Sergio Garcia is back in the Ryder Cup conversation, claiming that he’s “good with everyone,” which may or may not be true depending on who you ask.
And finally, Bryson DeChambeau declined to participate in Netflix’s Full Swing, meaning his U.S. Open win will be featured, just without his direct involvement. Given DeChambeau’s well-documented love for the camera, this is mildly shocking, but don’t worry—he’ll find another way to stay in the spotlight soon enough.
With golf’s biggest tours in full swing and plenty of off-course storylines bubbling, the next few weeks should be anything but boring. Well, unless you’re still trying to figure out golf’s TV ratings—then good luck.
Today’s Top Golf News
Today’s Feature Golf Reads
Major Golf Tournaments happening this week
TGL - PGA Tour - SoFi Stadium - Palm Beach Gardens, FL
Last night the TGL match between Jupiter Links Golf Club and New York Golf Club took place at the SoFi Center in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. In a surprising turn of events, New York Golf Club dominated the competition, securing a decisive 10-3 victory over Jupiter Links Golf Club. This marked New York's first win of the season and significantly boosted their position in the SoFi Cup Standings, moving them up to fourth place.
The match began with New York taking an early lead after Tiger Woods missed a five-foot putt on the first hole. From there, New York's team, consisting of Rickie Fowler, Matt Fitzpatrick, and Cameron Young, went on an impressive run, winning seven consecutive points to establish a commanding 8-0 lead after eight holes. Jupiter Links managed to salvage some pride when Tom Kim sank a 12-foot putt to win the final hole of the triples session, bringing the score to 8-2.
During the singles play, Tiger Woods managed to secure another point for Jupiter Links against Cameron Young, but it wasn't enough to turn the tide. The highlight of the evening came from Rickie Fowler, who nearly sank a spectacular long putt from 200 yards out, showcasing the high level of play that contributed to New York's victory.
New York Golf Club's strategic use of the new hammer rules, which allow teams to double the value of a hole, proved effective in building their early lead. This win was particularly significant for New York, as they had only won two holes in their previous two matches. The result keeps them in playoff contention while bringing Jupiter Links' record to 2-1 for the season.
The match, which was part of the 15-match regular season leading up to the semifinals and finals, demonstrated the dynamic and unpredictable nature of the inaugural TGL season. It also highlighted the potential for dramatic shifts in team standings as the competition progresses towards crowning the first TGL champion.
Mexico Open at VidantaWorld - PGA Tour - Vidanta Vallerta - Nuevo Vallerta, Mexico
The Mexico Open at VidantaWorld, a PGA Tour event, is set to take place beginning tomorow 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. The tournament will be played on the Greg Norman-designed Vidanta Vallarta course, which measures 7,287 yards and features 18 holes with a par of 73. The Mexico Open at VidantaWorld has become an important platform for Latin American golfers, with 16 Mexican players having participated since its inception.
Honda LPGA Thailand - LPGA - Slam Country Club - Chon Buri, Thailand
The Honda LPGA Thailand, a prestigious event on the LPGA Tour is set to begin tomorrow 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. The tournament will be played on the challenging Old Course, known for its undulating fairways, complex greens, and strategic bunkering. 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. The Honda LPGA Thailand not only showcases world-class golf but also serves as a platform for promoting Thailand as a premier golfing destination.
Magical Kenya Open - DP World Tour - Muthaiga GC - Nairobi, Kenya
The Magical Kenya Open, part of the DP World Tour, is set to take place beginning Thursday 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. The tournament has a rich history, with past winners including major champions like Seve Ballesteros, Ian Woosnam, and Trevor Immelman. As part of the DP World Tour's global schedule, the Magical Kenya Open continues to showcase the tour's international reach and provides an opportunity for players to earn valuable points in the Race to Dubai standings.
Upcoming: Ryder Cup (Sept 25-28, 2025)
What’s in the Bag (WITB)
Overheard in the Club House
Nelly Korda on Instagram 💀
— NUCLR GOLF (@NUCLRGOLF)
1:05 AM • Feb 18, 2025
UPCOMING TOURS
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