Planet Golf News for Thursday, October 24, 2024

Taylor Moore leads by one at ZOZO CHAMPIONSHIP after opening 7-under 63 | Japan rookie Mao Saigo outshines an illustrious field to take a one-shot lead at Maybank Championship | Ken Duke ushers men's golf back to Arkansas with inaugural Simmons Bank Championship

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PGN News Team
October 24, 2024

Thursday, October 24, 2024

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[ THE LEADERBOARD ]

Today’s Top Golf News in Three Minutes

Note: PGN will be delayed a few hours, for the next few days, in order to include the latest results for the tournaments taking place in Asia.

Good Morning,

Xander Schauffele might have hit a snag—literally—at the 2024 Zozo Championship, but it seems his fans are more than happy to laugh along with him. In a wild moment on the course, Schauffele’s tee shot ended up against a tree root, resulting in a quadruple bogey on the ninth hole. His frustration was evident, but what stood out was his ability to roll with the punches, lightening the mood and showing why he’s a fan favorite. With 15 top-10 finishes under his belt this season, Xander is still one of the most consistent players out there. However, this latest blunder does put more pressure on him to stay competitive with Scottie Scheffler, who’s currently leading the pack in top-10 finishes.

On a different note, it looks like the much-anticipated PGA Tour deal with Saudi Arabia’s PIF and the DP World Tour is edging closer to a conclusion. According to DP World’s Daniel Van Otterdijk, the deal could be wrapped up within six months, and he’s optimistic about what it could mean for the future of golf. The idea is to create a unified tour calendar that brings the best players together more often, much like how cricket operates. Fans could be in for a real treat if this vision comes to life, with even more exciting tournaments on the horizon.

Back at the Zozo Championship, Taylor Moore jumped out to an early lead with a spectacular 7-under 63, highlighted by an incredible eagle from over 100 feet on the 18th. He’s currently just one shot ahead of Max Greyserman, Nico Echavarria, and Eric Cole, all of whom carded 64s. Despite some big names struggling in the opening round—Xander being one of them—it’s shaping up to be an exciting tournament in Japan. Justin Thomas, returning to his trusty Scotty Cameron putter, managed a solid 66, while defending champ Collin Morikawa had a rocky start with a 69. Local hero Hideki Matsuyama also had a tough day, finishing 1-over. It’s a no-cut event, though, so there’s still plenty of time for these big names to make their move.

Over in Malaysia, the 2024 Maybank Championship kicked off with LPGA rookie Mao Saigo stealing the spotlight. Saigo fired a stunning 9-under 63, setting herself up as the one to beat. The competition is fierce, but Saigo’s impressive start, with six birdies in her first nine holes, has everyone talking. Meanwhile, Malaysian amateur Mirabel Ting made an impressive debut, finishing tied for 11th after the first round. It’s only the second year for the Maybank Championship, but it’s already making a name for itself as a key event on the LPGA Tour.

The inaugural Simmons Bank Championship in Arkansas is also making waves, marking the return of PGA Tour Champions golf to the state. Ken Duke is at the helm of this new playoff event, with the top 54 players battling it out for a spot in the Charles Schwab Cup Championship. There’s a lot of excitement building around this new addition to the golf calendar.

And speaking of new things, Toulon Golf just unveiled their latest creation, the Palo Alto Small Batch putter. It’s a tribute to Bob Rosburg and features some seriously innovative design elements, including a multi-material build and a cool midnight blue finish. At $1,800, it’s a premium piece of equipment that’s sure to turn heads.

All in all, it’s been an action-packed week in golf. From Xander’s misadventures in Japan to fresh faces making their mark on the LPGA scene, and new gear shaking things up, there’s plenty for golf fans to sink their teeth into. Stay tuned as the tournaments unfold—you never know what surprises are around the corner!

[ Today’s Top Golf News ] 

PGA Tour Fans Laugh Off Xander Schauffele’s Zozo Blunder That Might Kill His Edge Over Scottie Scheffler

Xander Schauffele faced a setback during the 2024 Zozo Championship when his tee shot became lodged against a tree root, leading to a quadruple-bogey on the ninth hole. Despite this misfortune, fans found humor in the situation, praising Schauffele's ability to laugh it off and his caddy's quick thinking. With 15 top-10 finishes this season, Schauffele remains a strong competitor, but he will need to improve his performance to keep pace with Scottie Scheffler, who currently leads in top-10 finishes.

Senior Executive Confident PGA Tour-PIF Deal Will be Done 'Within The Next Six Months'

A senior executive believes that a deal between the PGA Tour, Saudi PIF, and DP World Tour could be finalized within six months. Daniel Van Otterdijk, from DP World, emphasizes that all parties involved are golf fans and are committed to reaching an agreement. He envisions a future where golf operates similarly to cricket, with a structured calendar that accommodates various tours and promotes the best players competing together more frequently, ultimately benefiting the sport and its fans.

Major Golf Tournaments happening this week

Xander Schauffele calls himself ‘idiot’ for Zozo Championship recovery attempts

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

The first round of the 2024 ZOZO CHAMPIONSHIP at Accordia Golf Narashino Country Club in Chiba, Japan has concluded with Taylor Moore taking the early lead. Moore fired an impressive 7-under 63, highlighted by an eagle on the 562-yard 18th hole where he chipped in from over 100 feet away.

Trailing Moore by one shot are Max Greyserman, Nico Echavarria, and Eric Cole, who all carded rounds of 64. Two players from Chinese Taipei, C.T. Pan and Kevin Yu, sit two strokes back after shooting 65s.

The tournament, which is the only PGA TOUR event in Japan, features a no-cut field of 72 players. Some notable performances from well-known players include Justin Thomas, who opened with a solid 4-under 66, and defending champion Collin Morikawa, who started with a 69.

Local favorite Hideki Matsuyama, the 2021 Masters champion, struggled in the first round, shooting a 1-over 71. Xander Schauffele, currently ranked second in the world, had a particularly difficult day, carding a 3-over 73. Schauffele's round was marred by a quadruple-bogey 8 on the par-4 ninth hole, where he encountered trouble with a tree root.

ZOZO Championship Stories

ZOZO Championship Videos

LPGA rookie Mao Saigo fires 63 to lead Maybank Championship in Malaysia

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

The 2024 Maybank Championship, an LPGA Tour event, kicked off with an exciting first round at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club in Malaysia. LPGA Tour rookie Mao Saigo made a stunning debut, taking the lead with an impressive 9-under 63. Saigo's remarkable performance included six birdies on her first nine holes, setting the pace for the tournament.

Following closely behind Saigo is a competitive field of golfers vying for the coveted Tiger Trophy. The event, which runs from October 24-27, 2024, has already showcased some exceptional talent and promises to deliver thrilling golf action over the coming days.

In a noteworthy local story, Malaysian amateur Mirabel Ting made an impressive debut in the championship. Ting's strong start saw her finish the first round tied for 11th place, demonstrating the potential of emerging talent in the tournament.

The Maybank Championship, now in its second year, has quickly established itself as a significant event on the LPGA Tour calendar. It marks the tour's return to Malaysia and features a world-class field, including six of the top 10 players in the Rolex Women's World Golf Rankings.

With three more rounds to go, the leaderboard remains fluid, and golf fans around the world will be eagerly following the action to see who will emerge victorious in this exciting LPGA Tour event.

Maybank Championship Stories

Maybank Championship Videos

Ken Duke ushers men's golf back to Arkansas with inaugural Simmons Bank Championship

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

The inaugural Simmons Bank Championship, a PGA TOUR Champions playoff event, begins tomorrow at Pleasant Valley Country Club in Little Rock, Arkansas. This tournament marks the second stop of the PGA TOUR Champions Playoffs and will host the top 54 players in the Charles Schwab Cup standings, with the top 36 advancing to the Charles Schwab Cup Championship.

Simmons Bank Championship Stories

Cantero boosts tour card mission with strong start

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

Ivan Cantero leads the Genesis Championship with a score of six under par, boosting his chances of securing a DP World Tour card for 2025. He made seven birdies and only one bogey during his opening round. Cantero expressed confidence in his game and highlighted the importance of a strong performance to retain his playing rights. Other competitors, including Byeong Hun An and Kiradech Aphibarnrat, are close behind, with play suspended for some players yet to finish their rounds.

Genesis Championship Stories

Genesis Championship Videos

Today’s Best Golf Videos

What’s in the Bag (WITB)

Justin Thomas returns to faithful Scotty Cameron mallet putter at ZOZO CHAMPIONSHIP

Justin Thomas returns to his familiar Scotty Cameron X5 Tour mallet putter at the ZOZO CHAMPIONSHIP after struggling with putting this year. Despite five top-10 finishes, he ranked 167th in Strokes Gained: Putting. After experimenting with various putters throughout the season, he hopes that reuniting with the X5 will boost his confidence and performance on the greens as he seeks his first victory since 2022.

Max Greyserman 2024 ZOZO Championship WITB: 29YO PGA Tour Pro’s Gear Explored

Max Greyserman, a 29-year-old PGA Tour professional, is competing in the 2024 ZOZO Championship in Japan, showcasing his gear primarily from Callaway. He uses the Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond Max driver and a mini driver, along with various Callaway irons and wedges, achieving notable performance metrics. His putting game is highlighted by the Odyssey Triple Track Jailbird putter, ranking him among the top putters on the tour. The article discusses his equipment choices and performance as he seeks his first PGA Tour victory.

Toulon Golf unveils latest Small Batch putter – the Palo Alto

Toulon Golf has launched the Palo Alto Small Batch putter, honoring golfer Bob Rosburg, known for his innovative contributions to the game. The putter features a multi-material design with a 904L Stainless Steel body and a 7075 Aluminum sole, enhancing performance and feel. It includes a unique Spider Web face mill pattern and is finished in Midnight Blue. The Palo Alto is priced at $1,800 and available for purchase starting October 24, 2024.

Overheard in the Club House

Confirmed: LIV Golf star to make debut at DP World Tour playoffs

LIV Golf players Joaquin Niemann and Adrian Meronk will compete in the DP World Tour playoffs to enhance their world rankings. They will participate in the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship and the DP World Tour Championship, with Niemann making his playoff debut. Both players aim for strong performances to improve their standings and potentially secure invitations to major tournaments in 2025, as neither currently holds major exemptions.

Schupak: Ten years (to the day) after his social media blunder cost him the presidency of the PGA, Ted Bishop deserves reinstatement

Ten years after his controversial impeachment as PGA president due to sexist comments on social media, Ted Bishop is seeking reinstatement. Despite his past mistakes, he has made significant contributions to the golf community, including mentoring young golfers and receiving awards for his work. Supporters argue that his punishment was excessive, especially compared to more recent incidents involving other PGA leaders. Bishop's journey reflects personal growth and a commitment to the sport, suggesting he deserves recognition beyond his past errors.

With Charlie Woods’s Status Uncertain, 13-YO Rival Gets Fans Talking Before Yearly Family Tradition

Tiger Woods's uncertain status due to recent back surgery raises questions about his and Charlie Woods's participation in the upcoming PNC Championship. Meanwhile, 13-year-old Will McGee, son of Annika Sorenstam, is set to compete, generating excitement among fans. The event, scheduled for December 19-22, 2024, has already seen fans purchasing tickets, eager to witness the Sorenstam-McGee duo after their emotional performance last year.

NCAA champ Adela Cernousek shoots 66 at LPGA Qualifying; transgender golfer Hailey Davidson improves after 69

Adela Cernousek, the NCAA champion, shot a 66 at the LPGA Qualifying event, placing her seventh, while transgender golfer Hailey Davidson improved her score to 69, moving up to 108th. The top 35 players after four rounds will advance to the Final Qualifying in December. Other notable performances include Zoe Campos, Ashley Menne, and Roberta Liti, who are tied for the lead at 9 under. All players completing four rounds will receive Epson Tour status.

Harry Kane sits down with Rick Shiels and chats all things golf - GolfPunkHQ

Off the pitch, Kane is a highly skilled golfer, boasting a handicap of 3.7. For him, golf provides a much-needed escape from the pressures of professional football. "I'm a decent golfer. I think I'm a 3.7 at the moment, but I've not been able to put any scorecards in while in Munich. I feel like the last couple of years I've not been as good, but I can hold my own," Kane shared.

Latest Official World Golf Ranking

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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.

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