Planet Golf News for Sunday, November 3, 2024

Typhoon washes out third round of Toto Japan Classic | Nelly Korda to be featured in Sports Illustrated’s swimsuit issue | ‘April Fools’: Fiery Demands Mount Over Tiger Woods & McIlroy’s Role in $1.3B PIF-PGA Tour Deal

Sunday, November 3, 2024

PlanetGolfNews + Marie Birdie

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[ THE LEADERBOARD ]

Today’s Top Golf News in Three Minutes

Good Morning,

Golf fans are buzzing with excitement this week as big names and significant moves make headlines. Let’s dive into some of the standout stories making waves around the green!

First up, LPGA superstar Nelly Korda is set to make an unexpected splash. Announced by Sports Illustrated, Korda will appear in the 2025 Swimsuit Issue, making her one of the few pro golfers featured in the magazine. With six wins in 14 starts this year, including a major victory, Korda’s season has been exceptional, despite a short break for a neck injury. Her next appearance on the course is scheduled for The Annika in Florida later this month, where fans eagerly await her return.

Meanwhile, Japan’s LPGA scene faced a serious weather challenge. The TOTO Japan Classic was thrown off course by Typhoon Kong-rey, forcing organizers to cancel the third round. Now condensed into a 54-hole event, Hana Wakimoto leads at 13-under, with Yealimi Noh and Ariya Jutanugarn close behind. Players will wrap things up today, hoping for calmer skies.

In a surprising twist, reports suggest a historic deal may soon unite LIV Golf with the PGA Tour. The proposed $1.3 billion merger could bring LIV under the PGA umbrella, granting it a minority stake. Golf heavyweights like Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy have been pivotal in discussions, yet players remain split on the move. If finalized, the merger promises loyalty rewards for PGA Tour players and deeper ties with the DP World Tour.

On the lighter side, golf star Bubba Watson hit an inspiring hole-in-one at the Indonesian Masters, securing a house for a family in need through Habitat for Humanity. The moment brought a unique joy to the event, showing the heart behind the game, even as he stayed seven shots behind the leader.

In the world of golf fashion, Bad Birdie Golf, known for bold, stylish looks, just launched a new line featuring women’s golf shorts. With functional features like extra pockets and lightweight fabrics, these are ready to turn heads both on and off the course, debuting soon at the 2025 PGA Merchandise Summit.

Elsewhere, Charley Hull proved her determination, claiming victory in the Aramco Team Series just days after confidently predicting her win. Hull, who’s been performing well, capped off her success with a much-deserved celebration.

Lastly, there’s plenty of chatter around rules and format changes. Rocco Mediate has called for a return to 18-hole playoffs for major tournaments, while others debate whether driving distance should factor into handicaps for fairer competition. And if you’re a rules aficionado, a USGA expert shared tips on how mastering the finer points can help trim strokes off your score.

As the season winds down, golf is finishing strong with fresh faces, new ideas, and impressive performances. With so much happening, one thing is clear: the sport has no shortage of excitement.

[ Today’s Top Golf News ] 

Major Golf Tournaments happening this week

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

The LPGA’s 2024 TOTO Japan Classic at Seta Golf Course in Shiga, Japan has been significantly impacted by Tropical Storm Kong-rey. The tournament’s third round, originally scheduled for Saturday, November 2, was canceled due to heavy rains and adverse weather conditions caused by the storm. As a result, the event has been shortened from 72 to 54 holes, with the final round now set to take place on Sunday, November 3.

Japanese player Hana Wakimoto currently holds a two-shot lead at 13-under par after the first two rounds. She posted an impressive bogey-free 9-under 63 in the opening round, followed by a solid 4-under 68 in the second round. Trailing Wakimoto by two shots at 11-under are American Yealimi Noh and Thailand’s Ariya Jutanugarn.

The decision to cancel Saturday’s play was made jointly by the LPGA Rules, JLPGA Rules, and Seta Golf Course teams after assessing the course conditions. The pairings for Sunday’s final round will remain the same as originally planned for the third round, but starting times will be adjusted to accommodate the compressed schedule.

This weather-related disruption comes as the TOTO Japan Classic marks the conclusion of the LPGA Tour’s Asia swing for the 2024 season. Despite the shortened format, the tournament maintains its significance as players compete for crucial Race to CME Globe points and a chance to claim victory in one of the tour’s international events.

The challenging weather conditions serve as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of outdoor sports, with the LPGA Tour demonstrating flexibility in adjusting the tournament format to ensure player safety and complete the event within the available timeframe.

TOTO Japan Classic Stories

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UPCOMING TOURS

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.

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