Planet Golf News for Thursday, October 31, 2024

U.S. Women’s Open champion Yuka Saso headlines LPGA’s TOTO Japan Classic | New events, bigger money ahead for PGA Tour Champions | Cameron Smith Joins Jon Rahm In Calling For New LIV Golf Event | Big changes are coming to the PGA Tour – are they enough?

Thursday, October 31, 2024

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[ THE LEADERBOARD ]

Today’s Top Golf News in Three Minutes

Good Morning,

The golf world is buzzing with some big updates, from the PGA Tour’s new pace of play proposals to the LPGA’s exciting TOTO Japan Classic and LIV Golf’s scheduling tweaks. Here’s a rundown of the latest on each front.

The PGA Tour is set to roll out a new Pace of Play policy that’s all about keeping the game moving and players focused. Come 2026, penalties for slow play will get a substantial reduction, with fines for “Bad Times” dropping from $50,000 to $10,000 and “Excessive Shot Times” from $10,000 to $5,000. The changes also cut the maximum field size at some events to avoid bottlenecks and smooth out the flow of play. While some fans have welcomed the proposals, others think the changes don’t go far enough, hinting that faster play will make the tour more competitive and fan-friendly. Top players, including Rory McIlroy, have hinted at these adjustments, calling them overdue to modernize the game.

Meanwhile, over in the LIV Golf league, Cameron Smith and Jon Rahm are leading calls for a links-style event, helping players gear up for The Open Championship. LIV currently doesn’t feature a links event, leaving players at a disadvantage when transitioning from courses like Valderrama to the more rugged British links courses. Both Smith and Rahm are pushing for this addition, emphasizing the need for a format that preps them for The Open’s unique conditions.

In Japan, the LPGA’s TOTO Japan Classic is in full swing at the scenic Seta Golf Course, where players like Haeran Ryu and local stars Ayaka Furue and Mao Saigo are teeing off for crucial CME Globe points. This classic event is the LPGA’s last international stop before they head back to the States, making it significant for top competitors aiming to boost their standings. And while past champion Mone Inami remains on the reserve list, the event still boasts a strong field ready to take on Seta’s challenging 6,616-yard North Course layout.

In the PGA and LPGA crossover world, the upcoming Grant Thornton Invitational in December is a must-watch, with star pairings like defending champions Lydia Ko and Jason Day. Set at Tiburon Golf Club in Florida, this mixed-team event will use unique formats like scramble and four-ball, promising fans plenty of action. Golf fans will see top pros from both tours, including the dynamic duo of Nelly Korda and Tony Finau, compete together in this innovative setup.

Finally, the Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup have sparked discussions about compensation, with the Presidents Cup offering a stipend of $250,000 instead of requiring donations. This has fueled talk around the Ryder Cup potentially offering pay for its players in the future, a concept gaining traction as tournaments re-evaluate their financial structures amidst LIV Golf’s rising influence.

It’s a time of change and excitement in professional golf, with everything from pace to partnerships evolving to meet the demands of modern play and fan engagement. Whether you’re a fan of the fast-paced PGA Tour or the unique team spirit at the Ryder and Presidents Cups, there’s a lot to look forward to as golf continues to shake things up for its players and audiences alike.

[ Today’s Top Golf News ] 

[ Today’s Feature Golf Reads ] 

Major Golf Tournaments happening this week

U.S. Women’s Open champion Yuka Saso headlines LPGA’s TOTO Japan Classic

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

The TOTO Japan Classic, an LPGA Tour event, is set to begin today at the Seta Golf Course in Shiga, Japan. This tournament marks the final overseas stop for the LPGA Tour before it returns to the United States for November events.

The event will feature a field of top golfers, although only three of the top-10 players in the Race to CME Globe standings will be participating. These include Haeran Ryu and the Japanese pair of Ayaka Furue and Mao Saigo. Notably, the 2023 champion Mone Inami is currently listed as a reserve and not yet confirmed in the field.

The Seta Golf Course, designed by Seiichi Inoue in 1967, is considered one of the top-rated courses in Japan. The North Course, which will be used for the tournament, is a relatively long layout at 6,616 yards with wide fairways. It offers scenic views of Lake Biwa and Mount Hieizan.

As the LPGA Tour approaches its conclusion for 2024, this event holds significance in the Race to CME Globe standings. Currently, Nelly Korda holds a comfortable lead of over 1,000 points at the top, thanks to her six victories this season. The TOTO Japan Classic provides an opportunity for players to gain valuable points before the season-ending CME Group Tour Championship.

TOTO Japan Classic Stories

2024 Grant Thornton Invitational (Dec 13-15, 2024)

The Ryder Cup (Sept 22-28, 2025)

Today’s Best Golf Videos

What’s in the Bag (WITB)

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UPCOMING TOURS

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