Planet Golf News for Saturday, November 2, 2024

Saturday play at LPGA event in Japan washed out because of tropical storm | Hana Wakimoto maintains lead at Toto Japan Classic | Brittany Lincicome to step away from full-time schedule

Saturday, November 2, 2024

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[ THE LEADERBOARD ]

Today’s Top Golf News in Three Minutes

Good Morning,

The golf world has been buzzing with a mix of exciting news, big changes, and sentimental farewells this week. Comcast’s announcement about a potential spin-off of its cable networks has left fans wondering about the future of the Golf Channel. In an era where streaming is king, Comcast may shift resources there, making the fate of traditional networks like Golf Channel uncertain. For golf lovers who tune in for PGA Tour coverage and exclusive events, any big structural changes could alter the viewing experience and the channel’s role in live sports broadcasting.

Over in Japan, the LPGA Toto Japan Classic faced some weather troubles. Tropical Storm Kong-Rey forced the cancellation of Saturday’s play, so now the tournament will wrap up with a shortened 54 holes instead of the usual 72. Local star Hana Wakimoto has been on a tear, holding onto her lead at 13-under, while the third round’s delay could mean a more intense Sunday finish. Following this tournament, the LPGA will head back to Hawaii and Florida to conclude the season.

The PGA of America has nearly decided on its new CEO. Roger Warren, a respected name with experience as the president of the PGA, is close to taking over the role after Seth Waugh’s departure. The final decision should be in by the PGA’s annual meeting, set for early November. Warren’s expected leadership will be one to watch as the PGA charts its future, balancing tradition with the modern demands of the game.

Next week also brings the 2024 Charles Schwab Cup Championship, headlined by seasoned pros like Ernie Els and Padraig Harrington. Els is the player to beat after a winning season, but with a stacked field, the championship could go in any direction. In another PGA event, the World Wide Technology Championship kicks off in Los Cabos at Tiger Woods-designed El Cardonal. Erik van Rooyen returns as the defending champion, having claimed an emotional win here last year, and the tournament will have players fighting for those all-important FedExCup points.

The LPGA will soon bid farewell to Brittany Lincicome, who’s scaling back her schedule to focus more on family. With a career that boasts eight LPGA titles and two majors, she’ll still play select events but is stepping back from the grind of full-time competition. Her farewell feels bittersweet for fans who have followed her journey, including her charitable work and impact on the LPGA.

Elsewhere, Halloween spirit was in full swing with golfers getting creative in costumes, from Shane Lowry dressing as NFL star Travis Kelce to Rory McIlroy showing off his Mario outfit. Their playful takes brought a lighthearted side to the sport, with social media fans chiming in to praise (and tease) their looks.

Meanwhile, Scottie Scheffler is auctioning off his old GMC Yukon with a touching backstory for charity. The high bid so far? Sports broadcaster Jim Nantz, at $50,000! This gesture underscores the camaraderie in the golf community and Scheffler’s dedication to helping kids fight cancer. Also on the charity front, Bubba Watson will add his color commentary to ‘The Match: Superstars’ alongside Ernie Johnson and Charles Barkley, with celebrities like Bill Murray and Mark Wahlberg competing to raise funds for hurricane relief.

This week’s updates capture golf’s dynamic blend of competition, tradition, and heart—whether it’s players dressing up for Halloween, legends contemplating their futures, or networks reconsidering their next steps in an evolving media world.

[ Today’s Top Golf News ] 

Major Golf Tournaments happening this week

Hana Wakimoto maintains her lead after the 2nd round of the LPGA Japan tournament

TOTO Japan Classic - LPGA - Seta Golf Course, Shiga, Japan

The TOTO Japan Classic, an LPGA tournament taking place at Seta Golf Course in Shiga, Japan, has seen some significant developments today. Japanese golfer Hana Wakimoto has maintained her lead after the second round, shooting a 4-under 68 on Friday. This impressive performance follows her remarkable 63 in the first round, bringing her total to 13-under-par 131 after 36 holes.

Wakimoto’s closest challengers are two strokes behind. American Yealimi Noh posted a 65, while Thailand’s Ariya Jutanugarn achieved a 66, both positioning themselves as strong contenders. Japanese player Rio Takeda is also in the mix, sitting three strokes back after scoring a 65.

However, the tournament has faced an unexpected setback. The third round of the 2024 TOTO Japan Classic has been suspended until Sunday due to bad weather conditions. This decision was made to ensure player safety and maintain fair playing conditions. The suspension will likely add an element of tension and unpredictability to the final stages of the tournament.

TOTO Japan Classic Stories

TOTO Japan Classic Videos

Today’s Best Golf Videos

What’s in the Bag (WITB)

Overheard in the Club House

UPCOMING TOURS

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