Planet Golf News for Tuesday, January 14, 2025

Xander Schauffele, the No. 2 golfer in the world, withdraws from the 2025 American Express | Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy to make LIV Golf move amid PGA Tour merger talks | Tonight: Tiger Woods to Make TGL Debut

Tuesday, January 14, 2025

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[ THE LEADERBOARD ]

Today’s Top Golf News in Three Minutes

Good Morning,

Golf fans, buckle up. The world of golf right now is like a soap opera, a tech startup, and a reality TV show rolled into one. We’ve got Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy trying to make golf more interactive, a couple of tournaments warming up the greens in paradise, and golfers switching sponsors faster than they change gloves. So, let’s dive into today’s highlights with a sprinkle of sarcasm and a dash of awe.

First, the dynamic duo of Tiger and Rory are busy putting their names on yet another league. Their shiny new TGL league is trying to add some LIV Golf spice to its PGA-flavored stew. Apparently, in a bid to merge tradition with controversy (read: cash), they’re considering letting LIV players join. The question isn’t so much why, but how long until the fireworks start. Imagine a PGA loyalist and a LIV rebel squaring off in a simulator match—it’s like WWE, but with golf balls instead of folding chairs.

Speaking of drama, not everyone is sold on TGL. Some critics have labeled the whole concept “a bad idea” (ouch). While insiders are wringing their hands about sustainability and commercialization, PGA star Max Homa says to give it a chance. Honestly, if Max thinks it’s cool, we’ll probably all end up glued to our screens, yelling about “The Hammer” and the 40-second shot clock like it’s the Super Bowl.

In a plot twist no one saw coming, Xander Schauffele has pulled out of the American Express event. He’s citing medical reasons, but you have to wonder if playing simulator golf with Tiger and Rory might have drained his energy—or maybe his patience. Either way, Philip Knowles steps in, hoping to make his mark while the big names rest up or nurse simulator-induced fatigue.

Meanwhile, Rickie Fowler is spicing up the sponsorship scene. He’s ditched Grant Thornton for Ernst & Young and switched golf balls. Not quite a scandal, but hey, golf fans love a little gear drama. Elsewhere, the Srixon and Titleist teams are rolling out new clubs and balls with more tech than the Mars rover. Adjustable hosels? Enhanced alignment? At this point, your equipment might have better aim than you.

On the tournament circuit, Nick Dunlap is back to defend his title at The American Express, where he made history last year as an amateur winner. Out in Hawaii, the PGA Tour Champions kicked off their season with a scenic showdown at the Mitsubishi Electric Championship. Steven Alker, last year’s champ, will be hard to beat, but the real winner might be anyone who gets to golf in paradise.

Meanwhile, in Dubai, Rory McIlroy is chasing his fifth Hero Dubai Desert Classic title. Jon Rahm is making his debut at the event, and LIV players like Patrick Reed are lurking in the field. You can almost hear the sound of tension as players juggle rivalries and Ryder Cup drama. Speaking of which, Xander Schauffele is still swatting away rumors about Ryder Cup team discord. According to him, the U.S. team is a big, happy family—despite the occasional hatless protest.

Finally, we’d be remiss not to mention - again - Nick Taylor’s miraculous Sony Open win. He defied 400/1 odds and joined the likes of Tiger and Phil on the short list of players who’ve won playoff events three years in a row. Somewhere, a bettor with a sense of humor is sipping champagne.

And there you have it—a Monday where golf gave us innovation, drama, and a lot of reasons to keep reading Planet Golf News. Whether you’re here for Tiger’s tech experiments or just want to see who loses their hat next, it’s a great time to be a golf fan.

Today’s Top Golf News 

Today’s Feature Golf Reads

Major Golf Tournaments happening this week

Woods to make debut as Jupiter Links take on Los Angeles

TGL - PGA Tour - SoFi Stadium - Palm Beach Gardens, FL

The highly anticipated second match of the inaugural TGL golf season is set to take place tonight at 7 p.m. ET at the SoFi Center in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. This innovative golf league, co-founded by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, combines advanced technology with top PGA TOUR talent in a unique team-based format.

The upcoming match will feature Tiger Woods making his TGL debut as his Jupiter Links Golf Club faces off against Los Angeles Golf Club. The event will be broadcast live on ESPN, with streaming available on Fubo.

TGL matches are played over 15 holes, divided into two sessions. The first nine holes are played in a "Triples" format, where teams of three compete in alternate shot. The final six holes are played as "Singles" in head-to-head competition. Players hit full-swing shots into a massive 64'x53' simulator screen, while short-game shots and putts take place on a state-of-the-art adjustable green within the arena.

The league incorporates several unique elements to enhance the viewing experience and pace of play. These include a 40-second shot clock, team timeouts, and a "hammer" feature that allows teams to double the point value of a hole. The SoFi Center, a custom-built 250,000-square-foot venue, provides an intimate "greenside" experience for approximately 1,500 fans, creating an atmosphere similar to courtside seats at an NBA game.

With its blend of technology, team dynamics, and star power, the TGL aims to offer a fresh and exciting take on professional golf, bringing the sport to prime-time television and appealing to a broad audience of golf enthusiasts and casual fans alike.

TGL Stories

The First Look: Nick Dunlap returns to site of first TOUR win at The American Express

The American Express - PGA Tour - La Quinta Country Club - La Quinta, CA

The American Express, a PGA Tour event, is set to take place from January 16-19, 2025, in La Quinta, California. This tournament marks the PGA Tour's first event on the mainland United States for the 2025 season. The event will be played across three courses: the Pete Dye Stadium Course and Nicklaus Tournament Course at PGA WEST, as well as La Quinta Country Club.

The tournament features a unique format, with 156 professional golfers competing alongside amateur partners for the first three rounds. After the 54-hole cut, the final round will be played exclusively on the Pete Dye Stadium Course. The event is known for its low scoring, with the cut line often reaching double digits under par.

This year's field includes several top-ranked players, with world No. 2 Xander Schauffele headlining as the betting favorite. Other notable participants include Justin Thomas, Patrick Cantlay, Sam Burns, and defending champion Nick Dunlap, who made history last year by winning as an amateur.

The Pete Dye Stadium Course has undergone renovations, including enlarged putting surfaces and modified bunkers, which may present new challenges for returning competitors. Weather conditions are expected to be ideal, with daytime temperatures ranging from the 60s to low 70s and minimal wind.

With a total purse of $8.8 million and 500 FedEx Cup points on offer for the winner, The American Express promises to be an exciting start to the PGA Tour's West Coast swing.

American Express Stories

PGA Tour Champions opens 2025 season at Mitsubishi Electric Championship at Hualalai

Mitsubishi Electric Championship at Hualalai - PGA Champions Tour - Hualalai Resort Golf Club, Kailua Kona, HI

The 2025 Mitsubishi Electric Championship at Hualalai is set to kick off the PGA Tour Champions season from January 16-18, 2025, at the Hualalai Resort Golf Club in Ka'ūpūlehu, Kona, Hawaii. This prestigious event, now in its 29th consecutive year on the Island of Hawaii and 17th year with Mitsubishi Electric as the title sponsor, features a select field of 42 players competing over 54 holes of stroke play.

The tournament field comprises winners of PGA Tour Champions events from the past two years, senior major championship victors from the last five years, World Golf Hall of Fame members, and a few sponsor invitees. Defending champion Steven Alker will return to defend his title after winning the 2024 event with an impressive 25-under-par performance.

This year's event will welcome four first-time participants: Thomas Bjørn, Y.E. Yang, Tim O'Neal, and Ricardo Gonzalez. Each of these players had notable achievements in the 2024 season, with Yang and O'Neal securing their first PGA Tour Champions victories.

The Hualalai Golf Course, designed by Jack Nicklaus, will once again provide a challenging yet scenic backdrop for the competition. With a purse of $2 million, the tournament offers a significant prize for the champions of the senior tour.

Spectators can look forward to watching golf legends compete in paradise, with all three rounds being televised live on GOLF Channel.

As the season-opening event, the Mitsubishi Electric Championship at Hualalai sets the stage for what promises to be an exciting year of golf on the PGA Tour Champions circuit.

Hero Dubai Desert Classic: Five global stars on show in 2025 Rolex Series opener

Hero Dubai Desert Classic - DP World Tour - Emirates Golf Club - Dubai, UAE

The Hero Dubai Desert Classic, the first Rolex Series event of the 2025 DP World Tour season, is set to take place from January 16-19 at the Emirates Golf Club in Dubai, UAE. This prestigious tournament, now in its 36th edition, boasts a star-studded field competing for a $9 million prize purse.

Defending champion Rory McIlroy returns to vie for an unprecedented fifth title, having won the event four times previously. He faces stiff competition from a world-class lineup that includes Major champions and Ryder Cup stars. Notable participants include Jon Rahm, making his tournament debut, Viktor Hovland, Tommy Fleetwood, Tyrrell Hatton, and Robert MacIntyre.

The event has attracted a mix of DP World Tour regulars, PGA Tour stars, and LIV Golf players, creating an intriguing dynamic. Akshay Bhatia, Patrick Reed, and Adam Scott are among the international talents adding to the tournament's global appeal.

As the curtain-raiser for the DP World Tour's 2025 Race to Dubai, the Hero Dubai Desert Classic offers 8,000 Race to Dubai points and 2,000 Ryder Cup points, making it a crucial early-season event for players.

The tournament will be played on the iconic Majlis Course, known for its challenging layout and the backdrop of Dubai's skyline. It continues to be a GEO Certified® event, emphasizing its commitment to environmental sustainability.

With its storied history, star power, and significance in the golfing calendar, the 2025 Hero Dubai Desert Classic promises to be an exciting start to the new year in professional golf.

John VanDerLaan holds one-stroke lead at The Bahamas Golf Classic at Atlantis Paradise Island

The Bahamas Golf Classic at Atlantis - Korn Ferry Tour - The Ocean Club Golf Course at Atlantis - Paradise Island, Bahamas

The second round of the 2025 Bahamas Golf Classic at Atlantis, part of the Korn Ferry Tour, unfolded on Monday at the Ocean Club Golf Course in Paradise Island, Bahamas. Rick Lamb delivered a standout performance, highlighted by a birdie at the par-4 9th hole, which helped him secure an 8-under-par total to lead the field. Close behind were Robby Shelton and John VanDerLaan, both tied at 7-under, with Shelton completing 17 holes and VanDerLaan finishing 14. Other notable contenders included Kevin Tway and Davis Shore, tied at 5-under through 15 holes.

The tournament, which marks the opening event of the Korn Ferry Tour season, features a $1 million purse and has drawn a competitive field of seasoned professionals and rising stars. With live coverage on Golf Channel, the event continues to showcase intense competition as players vie for early-season momentum and a chance to claim the $180,000 winner's prize. The scenic yet challenging course has tested players' skills, with birdies and eagles punctuating the leaderboard as play progresses toward Wednesday's final round.

Ryder Cup (Sept 25-28, 2025)

Today’s Best Golf Videos

What’s in the Bag (WITB)

Overheard in the Club House

UPCOMING TOURS

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