Planet Golf News for Tuesday, December 24, 2024

Tuesday, December 24, 2024

PlanetGolfNews + Marie Birdie

[ THE LEADERBOARD ]

Today’s Top Golf News in Three Minutes

Good Morning,

‘Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the golf world, not a putter was stirring—except maybe Bernhard Langer, sneaking in another crafty rules move. Seriously, this week in golf so far has had everything: festive antics, a sprinkle of drama, and just enough heartwarming moments to remind us why we love this weird and wonderful game.

First, let’s talk about TaylorMade’s annual holiday card. They brought in Tiger Woods, Nelly Korda, and Rory McIlroy for what can only be described as the golf version of a Hallmark Christmas special. Dressed to impress and channeling their inner holiday hams, these legends spoofed classic Christmas movies while subtly (or not so subtly) plugging TaylorMade’s shiny new products. It’s goofy, it’s charming, and yes, it’s basically a glorified ad—but hey, ‘tis the season for consumerism!

Meanwhile, over at Augusta National, the 2025 Masters field is slowly but surely coming together. Ten new players qualified through the year-end Official World Golf Rankings, with Lucas Glover snagging the final spot like a kid grabbing the last cookie off Santa’s plate. The field now boasts 85 players, including familiar names like Justin Rose, Tom Kim, and Jason Day. Of course, more invites might pop up from upcoming events and those mysterious Augusta exemptions that keep everyone guessing. It’s shaping up to be another classic—small, exclusive, and dripping with prestige.

As for Xander Schauffele, 2024 was finally the year he got his major wins. What changed? Apparently, he just figured out how to “understand his game,” which feels like something a self-help guru might say but clearly worked for him. His dad couldn’t be prouder, and fans are relieved to see Xander move from “always the bridesmaid” to actual champion. Here’s hoping he keeps the momentum rolling into 2025.

But not everything in golf is about trophies. Lexi Thompson, the youngest retiree in LPGA history, is stepping away from the grind to focus on her mental health. She’s been dropping hints about a part-time comeback, but for now, she’s enjoying life off the course. Meanwhile, Charley Hull is proving she’s the real MVP by mentoring young golfers—even if her own 2024 season was light on wins. Who needs trophies when you’re helping shape the future of the game?

On a more serious note, Kim Kaufman’s battle with breast cancer at just 33 is a stark reminder of what truly matters. She’s handling it with grace and positivity, urging everyone to prioritize their health. If you needed a reason to schedule that check-up you’ve been putting off, this is it.

Of course, we couldn’t close out the year without a little golf drama. Bernhard Langer pulled off a clever rules-savvy move during the PNC Championship, setting up a picture-perfect shot that left even Tiger Woods impressed. Langer and his son Jason went on to win the event in a playoff against—you guessed it—Tiger and Charlie Woods. Naturally, Golf Twitter exploded with debates, because nothing says “holiday spirit” like online bickering over tee placements.

And for those of you looking to escape the pro scene, Canadian YouTuber Adam Fine has been making waves with his channel “Not A Scratch Golfer.” His journey from battling a serious illness to finding joy in golf proves you don’t need to be Augusta-ready to love this sport. Sometimes, it’s about celebrating the little victories—like avoiding a triple bogey.

So as we settle in for a long winter’s nap, let’s raise a glass (or a putter) to a year full of highs, lows, and plenty of surprises. Here’s to another year of chasing birdies, finding fairways, and maybe even pulling off a crafty move or two like Bernhard Langer. Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night! 🎄

[ Today’s Top Golf News ] 

Lucas Glover Leads 10 New Additions to the 2025 Masters Field

Lucas Glover secured the final qualifying spot in the year-end Official World Golf Ranking, earning an invitation to the 2025 Masters alongside nine other players. The prestigious tournament, which traditionally maintains a smaller field, will feature 85 eligible players this year, eight more than at the same time last year. Joining Glover are Tom Kim, Nick Dunlap, Max Greyserman, Jason Day, Rasmus Hojgaard, Corey Conners, Denny McCarthy, Justin Rose, and Min Woo Lee. This marks the second consecutive year that McCarthy and Lee qualified through the year-end ranking, which considers a two-year points-based formula. With additional invitations possible via upcoming tournaments, special exemptions, and the Latin America Amateur Championship, the field remains well-curated to provide a unique competitive experience at Augusta National.

[ Today’s Feature Golf Reads ] 

There are no Major Golf Tournaments happening this week.

Upcoming: Masters 2025

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Overheard in the Club House

UPCOMING TOURS

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