Planet Golf News for Sunday, October 27, 2024

Justin Thomas comes tantalizingly close to first victory in 29 months, but it’s Nico Echavarria who walks away with Zozo win | Ruoning Yin captures 2024 Maybank Championship for second win in Asian Swing | Byeong Hun An beats Tom Kim in all-Korean Genesis Championship play-off

Author

PGN News Team
October 27, 2024

Sunday, October 27, 2024

PlanetGolfNews + Marie Birdie

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,

The golf world has been buzzing with thrilling moments, from Nico Echavarria’s clutch win at the ZOZO Championship to Ruoning Yin’s dominant play in the LPGA’s Asian Swing, Byeong-hun An’s hometown playoff victory, and the latest updates on the LIV Golf and PGA Tour merger talks.

In Japan, Nico Echavarria clinched his second PGA Tour title with a memorable performance at the ZOZO Championship, finishing at 20-under 260. The Colombian star held off Justin Thomas, who is still chasing his first win in nearly three years, and Max Greyserman, with a final birdie on the 18th that sealed the deal. The emotional win gave Echavarria a ticket to his first Masters tournament, and his heartfelt reflections on his parents’ support added a special touch to the triumph. With $1.53 million and a two-year PGA Tour exemption, Echavarria seems set to build on his impressive season.

Meanwhile, the LPGA’s Asian Swing has been a stage for China’s Ruoning Yin to shine. At just 22, Yin captured her second victory this month by winning the Maybank Championship in Malaysia, edging out Thailand’s Jeeno Thitikul with a final score of 23-under. Yin’s consistent performance not only boosted her season earnings but also solidified her status as a rising force on the LPGA Tour. Her impressive 7-under 65 on the last day underscored her precision and cool under pressure, especially with her final birdie on the 18th hole.

Across the globe, the Genesis Championship in South Korea brought a nail-biting all-Korean showdown between Byeong-hun An and Tom Kim. The pair finished regulation tied at 17-under, pushing them into a playoff. An’s playoff win was a remarkable moment for him on home soil, cheered on by his fans and fueled by a 290-yard driver shot earlier in the round that many are calling one of the season’s most thrilling highlights. This victory marked An’s second DP World Tour title, his first in almost a decade.

The season’s big structural news, however, is the ongoing negotiation between the LIV Golf and PGA Tour. After months of speculation, both leagues are optimistic about reaching an agreement to bring together their best players and tournaments within the next six months. While LIV Golf’s Yasir Al-Rumayyan has expressed confidence in resolving the remaining issues, the negotiations hint at a future where the global golf calendar could become a united front. This would bring together some of the world’s best talent and potentially reshape the sport’s landscape, providing more variety for fans worldwide.

On the PGA Tour Champions front, Padraig Harrington and Steven Alker are tied after two rounds at the Simmons Bank Championship in Little Rock. Their top leaderboard positions set up an exciting final round in fluctuating weather, making the weekend one to watch as they vie for the title.

As we look ahead, the shifting structures in the PGA and LIV tours, as well as the outstanding performances by younger talents across tours, highlight that the future of golf is full of both legacy and fresh talent. With the potential of a merged global calendar and rising stars like Yin and Echavarria bringing new energy to the scene, golf fans are in for more intense matchups and historic moments.

[ Today’s Top Golf News ] 

Nico Echavarria birdies the last and stares down Justin Thomas to win the 2024 Zozo Championship

Nico Echavarria won the 2024 Zozo Championship in Japan, securing his second PGA Tour title with a final score of 20-under 260. He made crucial birdies on the last holes, edging out Justin Thomas and Max Greyserman by one shot. Echavarria expressed deep emotion after the victory, crediting his parents for their support and reflecting on how his first win at the Puerto Rico Open helped him achieve this success. Despite a challenging season, this victory also earned him a spot in his first Masters tournament.

Ruoning Yin captures 2024 Maybank Championship for second win in Asian Swing

Ruoning Yin, a 22-year-old golfer from China, won the 2024 Maybank Championship, marking her second victory in three LPGA events during the Asian Swing. She shot a final round of 7-under 65, finishing at 23 under overall, one stroke ahead of Jeeno Thitikul. With this win, Yin earned $450,000, bringing her season total to $2,397,966 and her career earnings to $5,462,783.

An claims play-off victory at Genesis Championship

Byeong-hun An won the Genesis Championship by defeating Tom Kim in a play-off after both players were tied at the top. An made a crucial birdie putt on the final hole to force the play-off, where he capitalized on Kim's mistakes to secure his second DP World Tour title. An expressed joy over his victory and the support from home fans, while Kim's performance was marred by a missed putt that could have clinched the win.

LIV Golf merger with PGA Tour mapped out as chief makes intriguing comparison

The LIV Golf and PGA Tour are in discussions about a potential merger, with optimism for a new structure that enhances global golf within six months. LIV Golf's chief, Yasir Al-Rumayyan, expressed confidence in resolving legacy issues and creating a diverse golfing calendar. Recent meetings between PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan and Al-Rumayyan signal progress in negotiations.

[ Today’s Feature Golf Reads ] 

Major Golf Tournaments happening this week

Nico Echavarria claims the Zozo Championship for his second PGA Tour victory

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

The final round of the 2024 ZOZO Championship at Accordia Golf Narashino Country Club in Japan provided an exciting conclusion to the tournament. Nico Echavarria of Colombia emerged victorious, securing his second PGA Tour win with a final round 3-under 67. Echavarria finished at 20-under 260 overall, setting a new tournament record. The Colombian golfer had to fend off strong challenges from Justin Thomas and Max Greyserman, who both finished one shot behind at 19-under. The lead changed hands multiple times during the final round, with all three players in contention until the very end. Echavarria sealed his victory with a clutch birdie on the 18th hole, hitting a impressive 273-yard fairway wood to reach the par-5 green in two. Justin Thomas, seeking his first PGA Tour win in two and a half years, closed with a 66 but fell just short. Max Greyserman, who was aiming for his first Tour victory, took the lead briefly with a 30-foot birdie on the 14th hole but couldn’t maintain it, finishing with a 65. Echavarria’s win earned him $1.53 million from the $8.5 million purse, along with valuable FedExCup points and a two-year PGA Tour exemption.

ZOZO Championship Stories

"Could have been me.."- Max Homa jokes as he has to play golf at the Zozo Championship over watching the Dodgers game

Max Homa expressed disappointment at missing the Dodgers game while playing in the Zozo Championship in Japan, where he finished with a score of 8-under after a strong final round. Despite a rocky start to the tournament, he moved up 12 spots with a 4-under 67 on the final day. The winner, Nico Echavarria, finished at 20-under, while Homa's performance marked a challenging season for him on the PGA Tour.

ZOZO Championship Videos

Yin Ruoning of China wins LPGA Tour’s Maybank Championship

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

The 2024 Maybank Championship concluded with an exciting final round on Sunday, as Ruoning Yin of China emerged victorious at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club. Starting the day in a three-way tie for the lead, Yin showcased her exceptional skills by firing a remarkable 7-under 65 to secure her second title this month and fifth LPGA triumph overall. The 22-year-old golfer finished with an impressive total score of 23-under 265, edging out Thailand’s Jeeno Thitikul by a single stroke. Thitikul, who was also the runner-up in last year’s event, put up a strong challenge with a final round of 66. Yin’s victory was sealed with a clutch birdie on the par-5 18th hole, demonstrating her composure under pressure. The win further solidifies Yin’s outstanding form during the LPGA’s Asian Swing, following her dominant 6-shot victory at the LPGA Shanghai just two weeks prior. With this latest triumph, Yin adds $450,000 to her season earnings, bringing her total for the year to $2,397,966.

Maybank Championship Stories

Maybank Championship Videos

Padraig Harrington, Steven Alker share 36-hole lead at Simmons Bank Championship

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

The second round of the Simmons Bank Championship at Pleasant Valley Country Club in Little Rock saw a slight cooling in scoring, mirroring the drop in temperature. Steven Alker, who had set a course record with a 10-under 62 in the opening round, maintained his position at the top of the leaderboard despite a more modest 2-under 70 on Saturday. He now shares the lead with Padraig Harrington, both sitting at 12-under 132 after two rounds. The change in weather conditions was notable, with Friday’s sunny skies and temperatures in the upper 80s giving way to clouds, rain, and temperatures in the upper 60s on Saturday. This shift in weather seemed to impact the scoring, as the average score for the 51-man field increased slightly from 70.018 on Friday to 70.061 on Saturday. Despite the challenging conditions, the competition remains tight at the par-72 Pleasant Valley Country Club course, setting the stage for an exciting final round.

Simmons Bank Championship Stories

Simmons Bank Championship Videos

Byeong Hun An Claims Playoff Victory At DP World Tour's Genesis Championship

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

The final round of the Genesis Championship in South Korea delivered a thrilling conclusion as home favorites Byeong Hun An and Tom Kim battled for the title. The two South Korean golfers began the day as joint leaders, but the leaderboard remained tight throughout the round with six players vying for the top spot at various points. An and Kim both finished regulation play at 17-under par, forcing a playoff after Kim’s potential winning putt on the 72nd hole lipped out.

In the playoff, both players attempted to reach the par-5 18th hole in two shots. Kim found himself in a difficult position in the thick rough near a greenside bunker, while An managed to chip his approach to within three feet of the hole. Kim’s struggles continued as he sent his third shot across the green and into the spectator stands. After chipping back onto the putting surface, Kim missed his par putt, leaving An with two chances for victory. The world No. 36 only needed one putt to clinch his second DP World Tour title, coming more than nine years after his first win at the 2015 BMW PGA Championship.

The tournament also had significant implications for other players. Ricardo Gouveia, who started the week in 154th place on the Race to Dubai, finished in sole third at 16-under par. This performance catapulted him to 100th in the rankings, securing his playing privileges for the next season. Antoine Rozner claimed fourth place, while Guido Migliozzi carded the lowest final-round score with a flawless 65 to finish fifth at 14-under par. An’s victory, achieved on home soil in front of supportive fans, was made even more memorable by a spectacular 290-yard driver off the deck on the par-5 15th hole during regulation play, which many considered one of the shots of the year.

Genesis Championship Stories

Genesis Championship Videos

Today’s Best Golf Videos

What’s in the Bag (WITB)

Winner's bag: See clubs Nico Echavarria used for second TOUR victory at ZOZO CHAMPIONSHIP

Colombian golfer Nico Echavarria won his second TOUR title at the ZOZO Championship in Japan, finishing one stroke ahead of competitors Justin Thomas and Max Greyserman. He used a Ping G430 Max driver, PXG 0311 XF Gen5 woods, Srixon and PXG irons, PXG and Titleist wedges, an Odyssey Tri-Hot #7 putter, and Titleist Pro V1x balls during the tournament.

Ruoning Yin WITB for Maybank Championship 2024: Exploring Golf Bag of Chinese LPGA Sensation

Ruoning Yin is leading the 2024 Maybank Championship with a bogey-free final round, showcasing her impressive Callaway golf equipment. Her arsenal includes a Callaway Paradym Triple Diamond driver, a set of 3-woods, Apex Utility Wood hybrids, and Callaway X Forged CB irons. For wedges, she uses Callaway Jaws Raw, and her putting is supported by an Odyssey Ai-One putter. With her current performance, she aims for her fifth LPGA Tour victory.

1 reason Justin Thomas is contending at Zozo? His putter

Justin Thomas is contending at the Zozo Championship due to his return to the Scotty Cameron X5 mallet putter, which he previously used to win major tournaments. After struggling with his putting earlier in the season, he has shown improvement, gaining strokes on the greens during the tournament. His performance indicates a positive trend as he aims for his first win in over two years.

Here's why Titleist GT drivers were so impressive | Fully Equipped

Titleist's new GT drivers have gained significant traction on the PGA Tour, with over 100 players trying them shortly after their release. The GT2, GT3, and GT4 models are noted for their speed and forgiveness, featuring advanced designs that enhance performance. Golf experts emphasize the impressive adoption rate and performance improvements over previous models, making them a strong contender for the upcoming season.

Golf merchandise spotlight: Vim Hue's headwear is perfect for female golfers

Vim Hue's headwear, particularly the Sun Goddess model, is highlighted as ideal for female golfers, featuring adjustable styles and UPF 50 protection for comfort and sun safety during activities. The brand was showcased at the PGA of America’s 2025 Merchandise Summit in Frisco, Texas.

Overheard in the Club House

Søren Kjeldsen to step away from DP World Tour and focus on seniors challenge

Søren Kjeldsen is stepping away from the DP World Tour to focus on seniors golf as he approaches his 50th birthday. After a successful 26-season career with four titles and over 700 appearances, he reflects on his achievements, including winning the World Cup of Golf. While he concludes his full-time tour career, he plans to continue playing in select events, including the Danish Golf Championship, and expresses excitement about competing against peers in seniors golf.

Will the PGA Tour turn players back into 'rabbit' qualifiers? It seems likely

The PGA Tour may revert to a system with fewer exemptions for players, potentially reducing the number of fully exempt players from 125 to around 90 or 100. This change could make it harder for younger players to qualify and maintain their status on the tour. Additionally, tournament fields may shrink, impacting revenue from amateur participants. The proposed adjustments aim to improve pace of play and equity in FedEx Cup points distribution, but they raise concerns about limiting opportunities for new talent in the sport.

Rules Review: I'm playing with a golfer who keeps placing a marker in front of his ball and it's driving me crazy. Can he do that?

The document discusses the legality of placing a ball marker in front of a golf ball on the green, clarifying that it is allowed as long as the ball is replaced in the exact spot where it was lifted. It highlights the potential for deception if a player places the marker incorrectly, which could lead to penalties under the Rules of Golf. The author emphasizes the importance of ensuring that the ball is returned to its original position to avoid any violations.

Inside the high-tech lab where pros go to power-boost their golf swings

In Denton, Texas, Dr. Young-Hoo Kwon leads a cutting-edge golf biomechanics lab that analyzes golfers' swings using advanced 3D technology. The lab helps golfers, from amateurs to professionals, improve their swing mechanics to increase clubhead speed and distance. Dr. Kwon emphasizes the importance of an active backswing, minimizing pauses, and utilizing body movement over arm-driven swings to optimize performance. His innovative approach has led to significant improvements in golfers' abilities, showcasing the blend of technology and traditional techniques in enhancing golf swings.

College Stars Make Big Decisions On Turning Pro After Reaching Final Stage Of LPGA Tour Q-Series

The LPGA Tour Q-Series in Florida saw 195 players compete for a spot in the final stage, with five amateurs qualifying, including Adela Cernousek and Zoe Campos. Cernousek has decided to complete her senior year at Texas A&M instead of turning pro, while Campos is ready to leave her amateur status behind. Regardless of their decisions, all amateurs have secured status on the Epson Tour for 2025. The LPGA is also reviewing its policy regarding transgender golfers, which could impact Hailey Davidson's future participation.

Report: Transgender Golfer Faces Potential Ban Amid LPGA Tour Policy Review

Transgender golfer Hailey Davidson has gained Epson Tour status for 2025 but faces a potential ban as the LPGA reviews its policy on male-born golfers competing in women's events. Following a letter from 275 professionals advocating for such a ban, Davidson's eligibility for the developmental tour is uncertain pending the review's outcome. She previously competed successfully in women's events but was banned from future NXXT tournaments due to updated gender policies. Davidson's future in the sport now hinges on the LPGA's decision expected by year-end.

Caitlin Clark learned interesting thing about herself golfing with boyfriend

Caitlin Clark, a WNBA star, has been gaining attention for her golfing ambitions and recent experiences, including participating in pro-am tournaments. She has received various job offers and is navigating the balance between her basketball and golf careers, with discussions surrounding her future in the WNBA amidst significant contract talks.

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.

Marie Birdie is a female-founded and owned golf and active wear brand for tween and teen girls. Our mission is to inspire, delight, and empower girls to enjoy an active lifestyle while playing golf. Now available at select PGA Tour Superstores.

Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up HERE for FREE