Planet Golf News for Friday, November 1, 2024

Sizzling start sends Hana Wakimoto to 2-shot lead in Japan | The 10th rendition of The Match is a two-night event in prime time with no pro golfers but tons of celebrities | Charlie Woods and his Florida high school golf team open postseason with a narrow victory

Friday, November 1, 2024

PlanetGolfNews + Marie Birdie

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[ THE LEADERBOARD ]

Today’s Top Golf News in Three Minutes

Good Morning,

The world of golf is buzzing with excitement and intrigue this week, from impressive first-round scores to headline-grabbing developments in the PGA and LIV scenes.

At the LPGA’s Toto Japan Classic, Japan’s Hana Wakimoto delivered a stunning first round at Shiga’s Seta Golf Course, shooting a bogey-free 9-under 63. Her exceptional round, which tied the course record, featured nine birdies and the fewest putts of the day, giving her a solid two-stroke lead over South Korea’s Jin Young Ko. Ko is determined to extend her seven-year streak of LPGA wins, starting off with a strong 7-under 65, while other top players like Linn Grant, Ayaka Furue, Hyo Joo Kim, and Jenny Shin also positioned themselves within striking distance. The no-cut format of this tournament keeps every player in the game through the weekend, making it an exciting watch as Wakimoto holds onto her early lead.

Meanwhile, on the PGA side, there’s a lot happening off the course. PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan and Public Investment Fund (PIF) head Yasir Al-Rumayyan were spotted in Saudi Arabia, likely advancing their ongoing talks about the future of professional golf, which began with a framework agreement in June. Their meeting aligned with the Future Investment Initiative, and they’ll be joining forces again for the Aramco Ladies Team Series event in the coming days. While specific outcomes from these discussions remain private, each interaction points toward potentially transformative shifts in the golf world.

LIV Golf is set to bring a fresh twist to the popular “Match” format with a star-studded two-night event, showcasing personalities like Charles Barkley, Bill Murray, and Wayne Gretzky competing for a $1 million prize. The Match, taking place at Breakers West Country Club, will have LIV’s Bubba Watson as the on-course analyst, adding a new layer of excitement as fans tune in on TNT and Max.

Looking forward, the Ryder Cup is sparking conversations about fan engagement with a proposal that could let fans vote on a final player for U.S. teams, adding a new dynamic to team selections. This idea is met with mixed feelings—some argue it would give fans a meaningful role in shaping teams, while others caution against possible disruptions to team strategy. Additionally, ticket prices for the upcoming 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black are stirring debate; tickets are priced at $750, prompting discussions about affordability and inclusivity in golf. Some propose camping options as an affordable alternative, which could bring fans together and honor Bethpage’s community roots.

In other news, young Charlie Woods is making a name for himself, helping his Florida high school team secure a close victory in their district championship. The 1-over 73 finish marks an important step in Woods’ budding career as he and his team advance to the regional championships. Rory McIlroy also made headlines, with reports detailing his extraordinary career earnings exceeding $160 million and his consistently high performance across both the PGA and DP World Tours.

There’s no shortage of excitement in the golf world right now, from tournament highs to celebrity-packed events and evolving dynamics at the sport’s highest levels. Golf is continually expanding, embracing new faces, diverse fan experiences, and global collaborations.

[ Today’s Top Golf News ] 

Major Golf Tournaments happening this week

Hana Wakimoto of Japan shoots 9-under 63 to lead after the first round of LPGA's Toto Classic

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

The LPGA TOTO Japan Classic kicked off with an impressive display of golf at the Seta Golf Course in Shiga, Japan. The first round was dominated by local talent Hana Wakimoto, who shot a remarkable bogey-free 9-under 63 to take the lead. Wakimoto’s performance was particularly noteworthy as it tied the course record and marked the best round of her career. Her exceptional play included nine birdies, leading the field in that category, and she also tied for the fewest number of putts in the round.

Following closely behind Wakimoto was South Korean star Jin Young Ko, who carded a 7-under 65 to position herself just two shots off the lead. Ko’s round was particularly impressive on the back nine, where she recorded six birdies for a 31. This strong start was significant for Ko, who is looking to extend her remarkable seven-year streak of winning at least one LPGA title each season. The leaderboard was further populated by a group of four players at 6-under 66, including Linn Grant, Ayake Furue, Hyo Joo Kim, and Jenny Shin. Australian Minjee Lee also had a solid start, tying for seventh with a 5-under 67. The tournament, which features a 78-player field with no cut, saw only eight players over par after the first round, indicating the high level of play across the board.

TOTO Japan Classic Stories

TOTO Japan Classic Videos

The Ryder Cup (Sept 22-28, 2025)

Today’s Best Golf Videos

Overheard in the Club House

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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