Planet Golf News for Tuesday, December 3, 2024

Mollie Marcoux Samaan out as LPGA commissioner | Tony Finau Fuels LIV Golf Rumors As Tiger Woods's League Kicks Him Out For Another PGA Tour Player | First LIV Golf offseason domino falls as Dustin Johnson's 4Aces trades for former European Ryder Cup team member

Author

PGN News Team
December 03, 2024

Tuesday, December 3, 2024

PlanetGolfNews + Marie Birdie

Marie Birdie is a clothing brand dedicated to providing young women with the sense of empowerment and individuality. Now available at select PGA Tour Superstores. NOW OPEN the Marie Birdie Store @ 7170 S Dixie Highway in West Palm Beach, FL

[ THE LEADERBOARD ]

Today’s Top Golf News in Three Minutes

Good Morning,

The golf world is buzzing with activity this week, blending moments of change, speculation, and excitement. The LPGA is bracing for a significant shift as Commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan announced she will step down in January 2025. Her tenure has been marked by historic prize money increases and a focus on player well-being, yet challenges like low TV ratings and logistical hurdles at the Solheim Cup have cast shadows over her accomplishments. Liz Moore, the LPGA’s chief legal officer, will serve as interim commissioner. Marcoux Samaan leaves with gratitude, citing the LPGA’s growth during her leadership and her desire to focus on family.

Meanwhile, Tony Finau’s withdrawal from the Hero World Challenge has fueled speculation that he may be heading to LIV Golf. The rumor mill is in full swing, with whispers that other stars like Tyrrell Hatton and Adam Scott could follow. Finau’s potential move highlights the ongoing shake-up in professional golf, as LIV continues to attract big names and stir debate within the sport’s community. Fans and analysts alike are keeping a close watch on what could signal another significant shift in the landscape.

On the topic of LIV Golf, Dustin Johnson’s 4Aces have officially made the offseason’s first trade by acquiring Thomas Pieters from Bubba Watson’s RangeGoats GC. Pieters, with Ryder Cup experience, brings valuable depth to the team, while Pat Perez is unlikely to return. As teams look to strengthen their rosters for 2025, this trade might just be the beginning of a series of offseason moves.

In tournament news, the 2024 Hero World Challenge is set to begin in the Bahamas. Although Tiger Woods, the tournament’s host, won’t be competing as he recovers from back surgery, the event features a stellar lineup. Defending champion Scottie Scheffler, along with stars like Justin Thomas and Patrick Cantlay, will vie for the $5 million purse in a no-cut, 72-hole format. The Hero World Challenge has become a fan favorite during the PGA Tour’s “silly season,” offering both serious competition and a relaxed vibe. Coverage starts December 5 on Golf Channel and NBC.

Across the globe, the DP World Tour’s prestigious Nedbank Golf Challenge is gearing up at the Gary Player Country Club in South Africa. Known as “Africa’s Major,” the event features a strong international field, including defending champion Max Homa and rising star Thriston Lawrence. With $6 million on the line, the stakes are high, and the challenging course promises to test even the best players. The rich history of the Nedbank Golf Challenge, combined with its world-class competition, makes it a standout on the global golf calendar.

For equipment enthusiasts, Callaway and Ping have unveiled new drivers that have landed on the USGA Conforming Driver List. The Callaway Elyte and Ping G440 models feature cutting-edge adjustability and performance enhancements, sparking excitement among players and fans. As the new season approaches, these innovations are sure to make their mark on the game.

In other news, Amy Boulden, a standout on the Ladies European Tour, announced her retirement after an 11-year career. The former Rookie of the Year, who won once on the LET and achieved success in major tournaments, is transitioning to a career in broadcasting. Her departure marks the end of a significant chapter for her and the sport. At the same time, 78 hopefuls are competing at Q-School in Scottsdale, aiming to earn one of the five available PGA Tour Champions cards for 2025. The grind never stops in the world of golf, with players constantly vying for the next opportunity.

This week is a perfect snapshot of golf’s dynamic landscape. From high-profile tournaments to leadership transitions and equipment innovations, the sport continues to evolve and keep fans on their toes. Whether you’re watching the Hero World Challenge or following the latest LIV Golf developments, there’s no shortage of drama and excitement to enjoy. Stay tuned, because the next chapter in golf’s ever-changing story is just around the corner.

[ Today’s Top Golf News ] 

LPGA commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan unexpectedly steps down

LPGA Commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan will step down in January 2025 after a challenging year for women's pro golf, despite record purse increases and her contributions to athlete well-being. Her departure follows criticism regarding LPGA's television ratings and logistical issues at the Solheim Cup. Liz Moore, the LPGA's chief legal officer, will serve as interim commissioner. Marcoux Samaan expressed gratitude for her tenure and emphasized the LPGA's growth and her desire to focus on family.

There's A Big Golf Rumor That Tony Finau Dropped Out Of The Hero World Challenge Today So He Can Join LIV

Rumors suggest that Tony Finau has withdrawn from the Hero World Challenge to join LIV Golf, potentially marking a trend of PGA Tour players making the switch. Finau's friendship with Jon Rahm and previous comments hint at this move, with speculation that other golfers like Tyrrell Hatton and Adam Scott may follow. The golf community is buzzing with these developments, indicating a significant shift in the sport's landscape.

First LIV Golf offseason domino falls as Dustin Johnson's 4Aces trades for former European Ryder Cup team member

Dustin Johnson's 4Aces have traded for Thomas Pieters from Bubba Watson's RangeGoats GC, marking the first trade of the LIV Golf offseason. Pieters, who has a contract through 2025, previously scored four points for Europe in the 2016 Ryder Cup. The 4Aces are expected not to re-sign Pat Perez as they prepare for the upcoming season, while the RangeGoats GC may explore various options to fill their roster spot. This trade could signal the beginning of a series of offseason movements in LIV Golf.

[ Today’s Feature Golf Reads ] 

Major Golf Tournaments happening this week

2024 Hero World Challenge Full Field: Elite 20 at Tiger Woods’s Tournament

Hero World Challenge - PGA Tour - Albany GC - New Providence, Bahamas

The 2024 Hero World Challenge, hosted by Tiger Woods, is set to take place from December 5-8 at Albany Golf Course in the Bahamas. This prestigious event features a select field of 20 top golfers competing in a 72-hole stroke-play format with no cut.

Unfortunately, Tiger Woods himself will not be participating this year as he continues to recover from back surgery. However, the tournament boasts an impressive lineup, headlined by world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, who is returning to defend his title. Other notable players in the field include Justin Thomas, Patrick Cantlay, and Ludvig Aberg.

The event will showcase a mix of established stars and rising talents, with nearly half the field making their Hero World Challenge debut. Six major champions are set to compete, bringing a combined total of eight major victories to the tournament.

Fans can catch the action on Golf Channel and NBC, with live coverage scheduled for all four days of the event. The tournament offers a substantial purse of $5 million, with $1 million going to the winner.

As the golf world’s “silly season” kicks off, the Hero World Challenge promises to be an exciting event in a picturesque setting, offering players a chance to compete in a relaxed atmosphere while still vying for significant prize money and world ranking points.

Hero World Challenge Stories

The First Look: Hero World Challenge

The Hero World Challenge returns to Albany Golf Course with a strong field, including defending champion Scottie Scheffler, who won seven times in 2024. Tiger Woods will not compete due to recovery from surgery. Notable players making their debut include Nick Dunlap and several others. The tournament features a par 72 course designed by Ernie Els, with challenging conditions. No FedExCup points are awarded, but Official World Golf Ranking points will be. The event will be broadcast on Golf Channel and NBC.

Hero World Challenge Videos

Nedbank Golf Challenge 2024 Tips, Predictions & Each-Way Picks

Nedbank Golf Challenge - DP World Tour - Gary Player CC - Sun City, South Africa

The Nedbank Golf Challenge, a prestigious event on the DP World Tour, is set to take place from December 5-8, 2024, at the Gary Player Country Club in Sun City, South Africa. This year’s tournament boasts a strong international field, including defending champion Max Homa and PGA Tour stars Will Zalatoris and Corey Conners, who will be making their debuts at the event.

South African golfer Thriston Lawrence, who finished third in the Race to Dubai and secured a PGA Tour card, will be aiming for a home victory. The field also features rising talent Wenyi Ding from China, along with other notable players such as Nicolai Hojgaard, Thomas Detry, and South African stars Christiaan Bezuidenhout and Erik van Rooyen.

The Gary Player Country Club, which can stretch to over 7,800 yards, provides a challenging backdrop for the tournament with its clover-shaped greens and strategic bunkers. The event offers a total prize fund of $6 million, with the winner taking home just over $1 million. Additionally, there are 4,000 Race to Dubai points and 1,000 Ryder Cup points up for grabs.

The Nedbank Golf Challenge, often referred to as “Africa’s Major,” has a rich history dating back to 1981 and continues to be a highlight of the DP World Tour calendar, attracting top talent from around the globe.

Today’s Best Golf Videos

What’s in the Bag (WITB)

New Callaway, Ping drivers hit USGA conforming list. Here's what we know

The new Callaway Elyte and Ping G440 drivers have been added to the USGA conforming list for 2025. Callaway's Elyte line includes four models with adjustable features, while Ping's G440 line consists of three models, all retaining adjustability options. Both brands have yet to officially comment on their new offerings, but equipment enthusiasts are closely watching for player switches to the new gear during upcoming events.

Ping’s G440 drivers added to USGA Conforming Driver List

The Ping G440 Max, G440 LST, and G440 SFT drivers have been added to the USGA's Conforming Driver List, making them legal for tournament play. These drivers feature technologies such as movable weights for shot shaping, a CarbonFly Wrap for weight reduction, and a forged titanium face. The G440 series is expected to include an adjustable hosel similar to the previous G430 lineup. Further details will be released by Ping regarding these new drivers.

Overheard in the Club House

Everything you need to know about The Showdown: Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler vs. Bryson DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka

The Showdown features Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler against Bryson DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka on December 17 at Shadow Creek Golf Course in Las Vegas. The event will be broadcast live on TNT, TBS, and truTV, and will consist of 18 holes with a format of best ball, alternate shot, and singles. Winners will receive a multimillion-dollar prize in cryptocurrency, marking a first in major sports competitions.

Ladies European Tour Winner Amy Boulden Announces Retirement

Amy Boulden has announced her retirement from professional golf after an 11-year career, during which she won once on the Ladies European Tour and was named Rookie of the Year in 2014. She achieved her best Major finish at the 2015 Ricoh Women's British Open and has recently transitioned to broadcasting. Boulden expressed gratitude for her experiences and the people she met throughout her journey in the sport.

Social media reacts to news of LPGA commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan stepping down

As always, social media had its thoughts.

These 78 golfers are vying for one of the 5 PGA Tour Champions tour cards up for grabs at Q-School

At the final stage of Q-School from December 3-6 at TPC Scottsdale, 78 golfers, including notable names like Angel Cabrera and Boo Weekley, are competing for one of the five available PGA Tour Champions tour cards for the 2025 season. Only the top finishers will secure their spots for the next season, highlighting the competitive nature of the tour.

Monday qualifiers are coming to an end. Registration for WM Phoenix Open opens for last time

Pre-qualifying registration for the 2025 WM Phoenix Open is now open, marking the last opportunity for golfers to qualify under the current PGA Tour rules. The qualifiers will take place at eight locations across Arizona, culminating in a final qualifier on February 3 at Pinnacle Peak Country Club. Only the top three finishers will secure a spot in the tournament scheduled for February 6-9 at TPC Scottsdale. Interested golfers are encouraged to register promptly as spots are expected to fill quickly.

Justin Thomas Ignores Worst Competitive Year as Blissful Updates Comes to Light Amid Hero World Challenge Move

Justin Thomas has had a challenging year in golf, not winning any events in 2024 but achieving six top-10 finishes. Amidst this, he recently welcomed his first child, Molly, with his wife, Jillian. As he prepares for the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas, Thomas aims to break his two-year trophy drought while facing tough competition from top golfers. He remains focused on the present and enjoying family life despite the pressures of his career.

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.

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.

Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up HERE for FREE