Planet Golf News for Tuesday, December 10, 2024

Final round of LPGA Qualifying suspended in Alabama due to unplayable conditions | PGA Tour rookie Max Greyserman, Allisen Corpuz in to replace veterans at 2024 Grant Thornton Invitational | Charles Barkley headlines the TV announcing crew for the 2024 Showdown

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PGN News Team
December 10, 2024

Tuesday, December 10, 2024

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[ THE LEADERBOARD ]

Today’s Top Golf News in Three Minutes

Good Morning,

Golf fans, the past week has been packed with action, intrigue, and even a few weather delays, but the excitement across the sport hasn’t skipped a beat. In Mobile, Alabama, the final round of LPGA Qualifying was interrupted by relentless rain, leaving the course unplayable. Play was suspended at 9:30 a.m. and officially called off for the day by 1 p.m., with plans to resume this morning. Chisato Iwai and Miyu Yamashita are currently leading the field, but with only the top 25 players earning LPGA cards for 2025, the tension is palpable. While the rain gives players a chance to regroup, it adds even more suspense to an already high-stakes final round.

Meanwhile, over in Saudi Arabia, LIV Golf’s 2024 Promotions event is drawing attention as 93 players from 30 countries compete for just one spot in the 2025 LIV Golf League. With a $1.5 million purse and exemptions into the Asian Tour’s International Series for top finishers, the stakes are massive. The competition, featuring notable names like former world No. 1 amateur Ollie Schniederjans, promises a dramatic battle of skill and endurance. The multi-round stroke play format ensures a grueling but rewarding test for those who can rise to the occasion.

In Florida, the Grant Thornton Invitational is bringing a fresh and exciting twist to professional golf. Taking place at the Tiburon Golf Club in Naples, this mixed-team event pairs PGA Tour and LPGA players in 16 teams, competing for an equal $4 million purse. Over three days, players will take on scramble, foursomes, and modified four-ball formats, offering fans a unique viewing experience. Defending champions Jason Day and Lydia Ko will face stiff competition from other dynamic duos, including Nelly Korda and Tony Finau, as well as rising stars like Rose Zhang and Sahith Theegala. With live coverage on Golf Channel and NBC, the event is a celebration of inclusivity and top-tier talent, set against the stunning Greg Norman-designed course.

The stakes are just as high in Ponte Vedra Beach, where the PGA TOUR Q-School presented by Korn Ferry is in its final stage at TPC Sawgrass. A field of 171 players is battling it out across four rounds, with only five PGA TOUR cards for 2025 up for grabs. The competition includes a mix of collegiate stars, international talents, and seasoned pros, each with dreams of making it to the top level of professional golf. Every shot counts in this no-cut event, and with careers on the line, the drama is as intense as it gets.

Across the globe, the Alfred Dunhill Championship in South Africa is combining the thrill of golf with breathtaking views of Leopard Creek Country Club, which overlooks Kruger National Park. Part of the DP World Tour, this prestigious event features a $1.6 million prize pool and has a history of champions like Justin Rose and Charl Schwartzel. With its unique safari backdrop, the tournament is a must-watch for golf fans looking for a mix of beauty and high-level competition.

Off the course, there’s no shortage of interesting stories. Justin Thomas has made waves with an equipment change, adding 10 yards to his drives by switching to a longer driver shaft. Charles Barkley is set to headline the announcing team for The Showdown 2024, an exhibition event pitting PGA and LIV stars against each other. And in one of the strangest moments of the week, a Florida man’s golf clubs caught fire during a Delta flight, prompting the airline to reimburse him $4,000 for the damages. These moments show the lighter, unpredictable side of the golf world.

As we look ahead, the calendar is packed with must-watch events and fascinating narratives. From the resumption of LPGA Qualifying to the mixed-team dynamics at the Grant Thornton Invitational, this week promises to deliver unforgettable moments. Golf is in full swing, and there’s no better time to follow the action.

[ Today’s Top Golf News ] 

Final round of LPGA Qualifying suspended in Alabama due to unplayable conditions

The final round of LPGA Qualifying in Mobile, Alabama, was suspended due to unplayable conditions caused by persistent rain. Play was halted at 9:30 a.m. and called off for the day at 1 p.m., with plans to resume at 8 a.m. the following day. Chisato Iwai and Miyu Yamashita lead the field, while the top-25 players will earn LPGA cards for 2025.

LIV Golf announces field for 2024 Promotions event, where one spot is up for grabs

LIV Golf has announced the field for its 2024 Promotions event at Riyadh Golf Club, featuring 93 players from 30 countries competing for one spot in the LIV Golf League for 2025. The event will have a total purse of $1.5 million, with the top finishers earning exemptions into the Asian Tour’s International Series. Notable participants include former world No. 1 amateur Ollie Schniederjans and former LIV Golf players seeking to regain status. The competition format includes multiple rounds of stroke play, with monetary rewards for advancing players.

Major Golf Tournaments happening this week

The First Look: Grant Thornton Invitational

Grant Thornton Invitational - Tiburon Golf Club - Naples, FL

The 2024 Grant Thornton Invitational is set to take place from December 13-15 at Tiburon Golf Club in Naples, Florida. This unique mixed-team event brings together 16 teams comprised of top players from both the PGA Tour and LPGA, competing for an equal $4 million purse. The tournament features three distinct formats over three days: scramble, foursomes, and modified four-ball.

Defending champions Jason Day and Lydia Ko return to defend their title, while other notable participants include world No. 1 Nelly Korda paired with Tony Finau, and rising stars Rose Zhang and Sahith Theegala. The field boasts 24 of the world’s top 50 ranked golfers from both tours.

Tiburon Golf Club, designed by Greg Norman, will challenge the men with a 7,382-yard layout and the women with a 6,788-yard course, both playing as par 72. The event aims to showcase golf’s inclusivity, offering equal prize money and visibility to both PGA Tour and LPGA stars.

The Grant Thornton Invitational promises exciting competition and a fresh take on professional golf, with nine hours of live coverage scheduled on Golf Channel and NBC. Beyond the competition, the tournament also supports various charitable organizations, making it a significant event in the golfing calendar.

Grant Thornton Invitational Stories

The First Look: Final Stage of PGA TOUR Q-School presented by Korn Ferry

PGA TOUR Q-School presented by Korn Ferry - TPC Sawgrass - Ponte Vedra Beach, FL

The PGA TOUR Q-School presented by Korn Ferry is set to take place from December 12-15, 2024, at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. This prestigious event marks the final stage of the qualifying process for aspiring professional golfers seeking to earn their PGA TOUR cards for the 2025 season.

The tournament will be contested across two venues: the Dye’s Valley Course at TPC Sawgrass and Sawgrass Country Club. A field of 171 players will compete over 72 holes, with each golfer playing two rounds at each course. There will be no cut during this final stage, ensuring all participants have the opportunity to play the full four rounds.

The stakes are incredibly high, as the top five finishers and ties will earn coveted PGA TOUR cards for the 2025 season. Beyond the top five, the next 40 finishers and ties will secure exempt status on the 2025 Korn Ferry Tour, with varying levels of guaranteed starts based on their finish position. Additionally, the following 20 finishers and ties will earn exempt status for the Latin America Swing of the 2025 PGA TOUR Americas season.

The field comprises a diverse mix of players, including rising stars from the collegiate ranks, international talents seeking TOUR status for the first time, and experienced professionals looking to regain their playing privileges. This event represents the culmination of a months-long journey that began with pre-qualifying in September and progressed through First and Second Stages in October and November.

With careers on the line and the opportunity to compete at the highest level of professional golf at stake, the PGA TOUR Q-School presented by Korn Ferry promises to be an intense and dramatic conclusion to the qualifying process, showcasing the depth of talent vying for a chance to play on the PGA TOUR in 2025.

PGA Tour Q-School Stories

Alfred Dunhill Championship Odds, Picks And Predictions

Alfred Dunhill Championship - Leopard Creek CC - Malelane, South Africa

The Alfred Dunhill Championship is a prestigious golf tournament set to take place at the magnificent Leopard Creek Country Club in Malelane, South Africa. This stunning course overlooks the Kruger National Park, providing a unique and picturesque setting for the event. The championship is part of the DP World Tour (formerly known as the European Tour) for the 2024 season.

Scheduled to run from December 7 to December 10, 2023, the Alfred Dunhill Championship features a 72-hole stroke play format, adhering to the Rules of Golf as set by the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, as well as the DP World Tour and Sunshine Tour Tournament Rules.

The tournament boasts a total prize pool of $1,600,000, attracting top golfers from around the world. The Alfred Dunhill Championship has a rich history dating back to 2000, with past champions including Major winners and former World No. 1 golfers such as Justin Rose, Adam Scott, Charl Schwartzel, and Ernie Els. This illustrious list of past winners underscores the tournament’s significance in the world of professional golf.

Golf enthusiasts can experience the championship in person at Leopard Creek, watch the action on television, or follow along through various digital and social media channels. The event promises to deliver exciting golf in a breathtaking African setting, continuing its tradition as a highlight of the DP World Tour calendar.

Alfred Dunhill Championship Stories

Today’s Best Golf Videos

What’s in the Bag (WITB)

The Equipment Change That Gained Justin Thomas 10 Yards At Hero World Challenge

Justin Thomas has improved his performance by changing his driver shaft, gaining an additional 10 yards in distance at the Hero World Challenge, where he achieved impressive driving stats. He switched to a longer Mitsubishi Diamana BB Prototype shaft, which has helped him achieve faster ball speeds and longer drives. Additionally, he has made changes to his footwear, opting for FootJoy HyperFlex Carbon shoes, enhancing his overall game as he prepares for upcoming tournaments.

Delta Airlines vows to pay $4K after man's golf clubs go up in flames

Delta Airlines will reimburse a Florida man $4,000 after his golf clubs were damaged in a fire caused by mishandling during a flight from Atlanta to Fort Myers. The man, John Andre, reported that his clubs were charred after being dragged, which wore through their protective covering and sparked a fire. Following his claim, Delta apologized and agreed to cover the damages.

Overheard in the Club House

Charles Barkley headlines the TV announcing crew for the 2024 Showdown

Charles Barkley will headline the TV announcing crew for The Showdown 2024, featuring a mix of PGA Tour and LIV golfers, including Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler, Bryson DeChambeau, and Brooks Koepka. The event will be broadcast live on TNT, TBS, truTV, and the B/R Sports Add-On on the Max app, starting at 6 p.m. ET on December 17, 2024, from Shadow Creek Golf Course in Las Vegas.

How Much Money Has Scottie Scheffler's Caddie Won In 2024?

In 2024, caddie Ted Scott earned approximately $5.34 million from working with World No.1 Scottie Scheffler, significantly surpassing the earnings of many PGA Tour players. Scott's earnings were bolstered by Scheffler's impressive performance, including multiple tournament wins, with notable payouts from events like the Masters and the Tour Championship. Scott's compensation reflects standard caddie cuts of 10% from winnings, resulting in substantial bonuses throughout the season.

Scottie Scheffler passes another Official World Golf Ranking milestone after Hero victory

Scottie Scheffler concluded his remarkable 2024 season with his ninth victory at the Hero World Challenge, securing the No. 1 spot in the Official World Golf Ranking for the 82nd consecutive week. This achievement places him fourth all-time for consecutive weeks at No. 1, trailing only Tiger Woods and Greg Norman. Scheffler, who has held the top position since May 21, 2023, is on track to surpass several milestones, including the longest stretch at No. 1 and accumulating the fourth-most OWGR points in a single year.

How did this LPGA major get nearly a 10/10 player survey response? By going the 'extra mile'

The AIG Women’s Open achieved a remarkable 9.8 rating in player surveys by enhancing competitor comforts, including a concierge service, relaxation areas, and tailored nutritional options. Championship director Zoe Ridgway emphasized the importance of going the extra mile for player facilities, which contributed to the event's evolution and success. The tournament, now boasting a $9 million purse, continues to adapt and improve player experiences, with plans to host in Wales next year.

Which Tournaments LIV Golfers Won In 2024

In 2024, several LIV Golfers achieved notable victories across various tournaments. David Puig won the Malaysian Open, Carlos Ortiz claimed the International Series Oman, and Kieran Vincent triumphed at the Kit Kat Cash and Carry Pro-Am. Richard Bland secured two Senior Major titles, while Bryson DeChambeau won the US Open. Other winners included Peter Uihlein at the International Series England and Qatar, Jinichiro Kozuma at the Sansan KBC Augusta, Patrick Reed at the Hong Kong Open, Lucas Herbert at the NSW Open, Dean Burmester at the Vodacom Origins of Golf Final, and Joaquin Niemann at the Saudi International.

2025 applications to play the Old Course reversed are now open … but won’t be for long

Applications to play the Old Course at St. Andrews in reverse are now open for a limited time, specifically from April 6 to April 8, 2025. The package includes three rounds of golf and costs £750 per person. However, applications close in 48 hours and do not guarantee selection, so interested groups of two to four should apply quickly.

Stats say this 15-minute putting practice is crucial to making more putts

Dr. Sasho MacKenzie emphasizes that improving putting performance can be achieved with just two 15-minute practice sessions weekly, focusing on putts between four and seven feet, which are statistically crucial for scoring. A suggested warmup includes six short putts (4-7 feet), five medium putts (8-11 feet), four longer putts (11-17 feet), and three long putts (17-30 feet). Mixing uphill, downhill, and breaking putts is essential for effective practice, promoting smarter training rather than longer sessions.

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 2025

Click to see the entire PGA Tour Schedule for 2025 including the Previous winners and Purse.

LIV Golf Schedule 2025

Click to see the entire LIV Tour Schedule for 2025 including the Previous winners and Purse.

LPGA Tour Schedule 2025

Click to see the entire LPGA Tour Schedule for 2025 including the Previous winners and Purse.

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